Fraudulent Google ad impersonating Aldi leads to copycat website
Impersonating: Aldi
What is this scam?
A fake Google advertisement impersonating Aldi directs users to a convincing copycat website when clicked. The fraudulent ad appears in paid search results closely mimicking Aldi's branding and offers. Victims who proceed through the copycat site risk having personal and payment details harvested. Which? flagged the scam in June 2026 and advises reporting fake ads via Google's feedback function and suspicious sites to the NCSC.
Example scam message
Google paid search ad (appearing above legitimate results): 'Aldi Special Offers — aldideals-uk.xyz — Exclusive weekly deals for Aldi loyalty customers. Browse this week's Specialbuys and claim your personalised discount before midnight.' [Clicking the ad takes you to a copycat Aldi site, not the real aldi.co.uk — any details or payment entered go to fraudsters]
Red flags to look out for
- The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
- Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
- You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
- It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
- The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.
What to do if you receive this
- Do not call any numbers or click any links in the message.
- Log in to your account directly via the official website or app to check for any real alerts.
- Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
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