Copycat websites leave people a click away from being ripped off

As the government prepares to help Trading Standards tackle 'copycat' websites that charge people to fill out official forms, Citizens Advice has revealed it advises people on 1,700 cases of these rogue traders a year.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“People are one click away from being ripped off for a service they can do themselves for free. Citizens Advice is helping with around 1,700 issues with copycat websites a year. Firms are cashing-in on people’s need to submit official forms, like tax returns and passport applications.

“To avoid these opportunistic firms people can go directly to Gov.uk for applications. Government agencies should provide a helping hand to consumers by making the official route to submit forms clear in all the materials they send to people and including a warning about these copycat websites."

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.