Bonmarche has reassured its Morecambe customers after online scammers falsely claimed that the popular women's fashion retailer was closing down.
The firm, which has a store in Morecambe, has responded after a series of fraudulent website and social media posts said they were going out of business.
These posts offered cut-price stock to customers, and some were conned into ordering clothes via a fake payment option - only to then find out it was a scam.
The posts were widely shared, including on community social media pages in Morecambe.
Some customers then went into the shop in the Arndale, Morecambe Bay shopping centre to ask if it was closing down.
One of the scam posts, which was seen by Beyond Radio before being removed, said: "Dear Bonmarche customers.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce Bonmarche has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
"This was a difficult decision but due to rising operational costs and increasing global competition, we can no longer sustain our business as it stands today.
"For decades, you have been at the heart of everything we do. Your loyalty and support have meant the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for every customer who has walked through our door."
Many local people who read the post commented about the prospect of another business closing in the town centre - following the recent closures of Afters Dessert Parlour, the Uniform and Leisurewear shop, and Holland and Barrett on nearby Euston Road.
But Bonmarche then posted on their social media channels to say the claims of bankruptcy were false.
"It has come to our attention that there are fraudulent websites and advertisements claiming to be Bonmarche," said a Facebook post from the company.
"Please remember the genuine Bonmarche website address is www.bonmarche.co.uk
"Our team are working very hard to remove fraudulent accounts as soon as possible."
One customer, who was a victim of the scam, said in response: "I bought a basket full of stuff and didn’t think there was anything wrong until I paid. Then when I saw the email address I knew and all in what I think is French.
"I rang Bonmarche and I reported it and they knew already and I reported it to Facebook.
"I do believe though that Bonmarche are very late putting up this post and could have been more productive earlier. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I imagined the customer would have been their top priority."
Another customer posted: "I got caught out too, it looked genuine when I processed my order. I paid by PayPal but they can't refund my money."
Another said: "I got caught - I went into Bonmarche (on) Friday, the clothes looked the same, I’m gutted. I paid through PayPal but because I authorised it they wouldn’t cancel. I tried to cancel within the hour of finding out. I found out when I couldn’t track the delivery."
And another posted: "Oh I was shocked to read you were closing! I’m so glad you’re not!"
A Bonmarche spokesperson told Beyond Radio: "We received a number of enquiries from customers and business partners and subsequently published a post to reassure our customers that the business has not filed for bankruptcy, nor do we have any intention of doing so.
"In addition, we briefed our store staff and communicated with customers via our social media channels and through messages displayed on our customer-facing till screens.
"Bonmarché is currently on an exciting journey with plans to open a significant number of new stores throughout 2025. We look forward to sharing more details with both existing and new customers in due course.
"At this time, we can confirm that we have no plans to close the Morecambe store."
The spokesperson said Bonmarche was also interested in opening a shop in Lancaster, although nothing had been confirmed at this stage.
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