A FRAUDULENT website which offered the sale of Highland cows has been exposed after potential buyers turned up at a country park.
Falkirk Council's Trading Standards said the animals and other livestock at Muiravonside Country Park were listed on a scam website.
The bogus website, which is currently still live, is using the park’s address and postcode fraudulently to appear credible to potential buyers.
Staff became aware of the scam after people arrived at the park to enquire about the cows and other livestock listed for sale online.
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Trading Standards officers also found that the website had been used for scam puppy sales after they launched an investigation.
Michael McGuinness, the head of growth, planning, sport and culture at Falkirk Council, has warned people to exercise caution when attempting to buy animals online.
He said: “It is deeply concerning to see scammers using a place like Muiravonside Country Park to deceive unsuspecting buyers.”
He added: “We urge everyone to exercise caution when making purchases online, especially from unfamiliar websites.
“Our priority is to protect consumers and ensure that fraudulent activities like these are dealt with quickly by the right authorities.”
Claire Martin, a countryside Ranger at Muiravonside, added that she was disappointed that someone is using the park to con people.
She said that none of the cattle are for sale and said the public are more than welcome to come visit the park and visit their five Highland cows.
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