A major discount supermarket chain has informed nine.com.au that it is “actively working” to eliminate fraudulent videos circulating on social media platforms.

These deceptive videos have largely been spotted on TikTok, but they are also surfacing on other social media sites. They are branded under names such as The Aldi Method, The Coles Method, and The Woolies Method.

In each video, a voiceover explains a supposed technique for reducing grocery bills while footage shows someone filling a shopping cart at Aldi, Coles, or Woolworths.

Viewers are then directed to a web address resembling an official supermarket site, found in the video’s description or comments section, where they are asked to provide personal information.

An Aldi Australia representative told nine.com.au, “We are aware of certain websites masquerading as Aldi and are actively seeking their removal to safeguard our customers.”

“We encourage Australians to always remain wary of any offers seen on unofficial social media pages or websites, and to report any scams to Scamwatch,” they said.

Aldi has reminded customers DoorDash is the only platform that sells Aldi products online.

Any other website claiming to do so is not legitimate and may be a fake website pretending to be Aldi, customers are being warned.

Today money expert Joel Gibson says the scams, which target vulnerable Aussies struggling to make ends meet, are easy to spot once you know what to look for.

“There are dozens of these accounts, not many followers, if you scratch the surface, you will see that, but people don’t often see that when they first see the post,” he explained.

Some of the scam videos allege savings of up to $750 on grocery costs.

“The problem is they are complete BS,” he says.

“It’s a scam. They ask you to go to a website and put your data in.”

Gibson said the scam is working because so many people are struggling to afford their weekly shop.

A Coles spokesperson has told nine.com.au: “Coles advises customers to be aware of websites, competitions and other unsolicited communications that use the Coles brand without Coles’ permission, or which promote Coles rewards or other incentives, in an attempt to appear legitimate.

“These offers predominantly attempt to collect your personal details or financial information and Coles will never request personal or banking details in unsolicited communications.

“We encourage people to report any suspicious communication you may have received to the ACCC via their Scamwatch page.”

A spokesperson from Woolworths has issued the following warning.

“It’s important for our customers to remain vigilant when it comes to scam activity,” they said.

“To help our customers, we frequently post notices on our website with the different types of scams we see reported to us, how to stay safe from them and where to get help.

“Online scams seek to imitate well-known brands to collect personal information, but we would never ask our customers for their personal or banking details in unsolicited communications.

“This particular website is not affiliated with Woolworths.”