Mass. Creates Fake Websites To Warn Consumers

BOSTON (AP) — The state's consumer protection office has created a bunch of phony websites — as part of an effort to warn people about phony websites.

Some of the fictional sites make promises to help consumers with such things as weight loss, debt relief or loan modification, while others promote huge bargains or easy ways to earn money at home.

Anyone who tries to make a purchase on one of the sites is immediately directed to a state educational website that warns consumers about similar online scams.

The fake sites can be accessed through http://topmassachusettsdeals.com.

Undersecretary of Consumer Affairs Barbara Anthony says cyber criminals not only steal from consumers millions of dollars each year, but in many cases their personal information as well.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.