Kaspersky Uncovers Fake Aldi AC Scam Sites
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- Kaspersky uncovered fake retail websites offering heavily discounted air conditioning units during the UK heatwave, with criminals impersonating Aldi — the best-known brand among examples seen by Guardian Money — to steal card details.
- The fake Aldi site listed an "energy efficient" air conditioner and heater set for £28.13 (claimed down from £64.44) and a "3-in-1" portable AC with dehumidifier for £149.99 versus a claimed retail of £474.99.
- Olga Altukhova of Kaspersky said scam sites exploit demand spikes by warning that "only a few items are left" or that discounts are about to expire, pressuring users to hand over financial or personal data without thinking.
- The fake sites use urgency tactics including real retailer logos, live visitor counts, low-stock warnings such as "only five left in stock," and countdown timers to rush buyers through checkout.
- Aldi said it actively tries to identify and report fake websites, and confirmed that genuine offers are only available through its official site and verified social media accounts.
- Kaspersky's advice to consumers: verify the site's URL, search the retailer independently rather than clicking links, use security software to check authenticity, and if defrauded, contact the bank, report to Report Fraud, and change passwords.
Why it matters: The scam exploits a specific moment of desperation: UK retailers have low AC stock and record-high temperatures, meaning buyers may skip normal caution. Victims don't just lose the £28-£150 "purchase price" — they hand card details directly to criminals operating sophisticated replicas of real retail sites designed to defeat exactly the kind of verification Kaspersky recommends.
