Emmerdale actress Louisa Clein has slammed online fraudsters for selling soap memorabilia on auction sites.
The Maya Stepney star was stunned to discover snaps of her in character and bearing her signature were being flogged on the likes of eBay for inflated prices.
Alerting fans about the rip off, she told her thousands of Twitter followers to beware paying over the odds for items – and pointed out how anyone who does want an autograph can obtain one without having to stump up for dodgy wares.
Posting a snap of the dubious listing on her Instagram account, the 40-year-old actress told fans not to fall for the scam.
Read more: Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley in trouble for laughing during serious scenes
“You can get this for free if you write to Emmerdale,” she wrote for the picture’s caption.
“Please don’t pay £26 on eBay! I’ll happily sign pics for people but for them to be sold on to make money …… well that’s just rude!!!!”
In a separate post, Louisa helpfully informed fans how they could get in touch with Emmerdale’s production offices to make their own requests.
Grateful viewers were quick to acknowledge Louisa’s thoughtful gesture, with fans as far away as Utah in the US responding by saying they would be contact or a photo with her scribbling on it.
Read more: Emmerdale star puts final nail in Joe Tate’s coffin by ‘confirming’ he is dead
“Well said about time someone stood up and said something,” said one fan.
“Too many people willing to make a quick buck. Much respect to you for publicising the scam,” commented another.
A third agreed: “It’s so rude, isn’t it! I see these a lot and there’s even personalised ones!”
However, there was one commenter who shrugged off the outcry – and it seems they might be keen on making a few quid from the scheme themselves.
“Listen I’m out of a job. Let me make my money,” protested mikeparr226.
Mike Parr? Now why does that name seem familiar…?
– Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.