God. I was literally THIS close to clicking on one of those "Bonmarché closing forever!" ads last week. My aunt Deb loves their stuff, and I thought I'd score some birthday presents on the cheap. Thank goodness I hesitated.
Which? just exposed a whole network of these scams targeting shoppers like me. They found SEVEN different fraudulent Facebook ads claiming Bonmarché is shutting down and offering these supposedly amazing "farewell sales." The whole thing is complete bollocks.
The Anatomy of a Facebook Fashion Heist
These scammers are getting craftier than my ex trying to explain why he was at that bar. The fake ads link to three different fraudulent websites, and Which? discovered two of them were only registered in March 2025. Red flag city!
I actually showed one to my colleague who works in cybersecurity, and his response: "Already seen three people in my neighborhood Facebook group fall for this exact scam." Ouch.
The most disturbing part? Some poor shoppers have already had money swiped from their accounts without receiving a single blouse or cardigan. One victim thought they were buying from good ol' British Bonmarché but ended up sending cash to some company in China.
Wait... is Bonmarché actually closing?
Nope. Not even close.
The retailer is alive and well with 225 stores across the UK. I called my local one yesterday just to double-check (I felt stupid after, but better safe than sorry). The confused sales assistant told me they're not going anywhere.
Back in 2019, Bonmarché did hit rough waters and went into administration, but they were rescued by Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Then in 2020, Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group itself struggled during those endless Covid lockdowns (remember teh horror of not being able to shop in person? I spent way too much on online retail therapy).
By January 2021, Purepay Retail Limited swooped in to purchase both Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Bonmarché out of administration. They later added Peacocks to their collection in April.
Lisa from Which? Says What We're All Thinking
Lisa Webb, consumer law expert at Which?, basically confirmed what my mum has been telling me since I was 12: "If an offer seems too good to be true, unfortunately it probably is."
She added: "If you're in any doubt about whether an offer is genuine, don't click on any links and visit the retailer's official website."
Solid advice that I wish I'd followed when I spent $4K on that "luxury" vacation package in 2018. (Still bitter about that beachfront villa that turned out to be a view of the parking lot with "partial ocean glimpse" if you stood on the toilet and craned your neck).
Spotted a Scam? Here's What to Do About It
If you've already fallen victim to one of these scams, don't beat yourself up. These criminals are getting sophisticated, adn they're counting on catching us when we're distracted or excited about a deal.
Report suspicious emails to [email protected] and dodgy websites to the National Cyber Security Centre at ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website.
Already lost money? Contact your bank immediately. They might reimburse you if you can show you were genuinely duped. Then report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
My friend lost £200 to a similar scam last year and got every penny back because she reported it within hours. The bank told her they'd seen a surge in these retail "closing down" scams since the pandemic.
The Real Bonmarché (Not the Fake One Trying to Rob You)
If you actually want to shop at the legitimate Bonmarché (like I'm planning to do for Aunt Deb's birthday), just visit bonmarche.co.uk or pop into a physical store. Their store finder is at bonmarche.co.uk/storefinder.
Listen. I've worked in retail. These companies don't quietly announce massive closures through random Facebook ads. They make a big deal of it with press releases, official statements, and properly organized liquidation sales.
So next time you see a too-good-to-be-true closing down sale... maybe text a friend before clicking that tempting "80% OFF EVERYTHING" button. Your bank account will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
Statistics
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- As of 2021, the average American household had approximately $8,400 in credit card debt, according to Experian.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
External Links
How To
How To File Your Taxes Accurately
Filing your taxes accurately is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. Start by gathering all necessary documents, including W-2s, 1099s, and any receipts for deductible expenses. Choose the appropriate filing method, whether using tax software, hiring a tax professional, or filing manually. Familiarize yourself with the tax deductions and credits available to maximize your refund or minimize your liability. Double-check your calculations and ensure all information is accurate before submission. If you are unsure about specific items, consider consulting IRS guidelines or a tax professional for clarification. Lastly, keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for future reference.
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