Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of consumers affected by online retail fraud.

As the Business Secretary set out in his recent letter to the Business Select Committee, the Competition and Markets Authority is using its new powers to investigate and address consumer detriment and we will help consumers avoid problems by providing more education, and pre-purchase advice alongside clearer guidance about redress options.

My department also funds Citizens Advice to provide consumer advice in England and Wales. Citizens Advice runs an annual Scams Awareness campaign to raise awareness about scams, including how to spot, avoid and report them.