SHOPPERS have been warned to beware online Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal that are 'too good to be true'.

Lancashire trading standards boss Amanda Maxim said all too often the so-called bargains are fake products or online scams.

Citizen’s Advice has reported that hundreds of thousands of consumer-related issues were dealt with on the two pre-Christmas cut-price online shopping days last year.

More than 50,000 in November 2018 related to undelivered parcels and fake goods.

Ms Maxim said: "Unfortunately, it's not only shoppers and legitimate retailers that are looking to take advantage of these huge sales days.

"Organised criminal networks and scammers can also use them as an opportunity to sell fake goods and get hold of people's personal details.

"Beware if you think something looks too good to be true. It's up to each of us to take precautions when we shop online.

"These goods are often low quality, cheap fakes. Figures also show that 25 per cent of UK consumers have had their personal details stolen in the past during these sales."

"Make sure the company and website is legitimate."