Government attempts to tighten the screws on illegal web activity has moved to focus on those selling fake goods online.
The establishment of a cyber security team has been accompanied by extra funding for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Trading Standards.
Trading Standards had been actively working with the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST IiS) in combating the spread of unlicensed software with some success in terms of raiding premises.
The latest approach, backed by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) is to spend £4.3m over three years on a cyber enforcement team and the trading standards activities to protect users against online scams.
"The internet is rapidly transforming the way we shop. It presents
massive opportunities for consumers, but unfortunately it also harbours
fraudsters who can leave consumers upset and out of pocket," said
consumer minister Kevin Brennan.
The targets of the new efforts include targeting those selling counterfeit goods as well as those traders who try to hide their identities so customers have no chance to get redress.
"Online consumer protection is a key priority for the OFT. The enforcement team will be looking at the activities of a wide range of commercial websites and taking action in cases where consumers' rights are being abused," said Heather Clayton senior deirector at the OFT.
The government is supporting the counterfeit attack with a website, www.consumerdirect.gov.uk and phone line, 08454 040506 that people who have become victims of scams can contact.
The targets of the new efforts include targeting those selling counterfeit goods as well as those traders who try to hide their identities so customers have no chance to get redress.
"Online consumer protection is a key priority for the OFT. The enforcement team will be looking at the activities of a wide range of commercial websites and taking action in cases where consumers' rights are being abused," said Heather Clayton senior deirector at the OFT.
The government is supporting the counterfeit attack with a website, www.consumerdirect.gov.uk and phone line, 08454 040506 that people who have become victims of scams can contact.
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