Deceptive online platforms selling shipping containers are defrauding consumers in Western Australia, resulting in a loss of nearly $55,000 among scam victims over the last four months. The losses incurred in 2022 have already surpassed the total reported for the entire year of 2021. Additionally, some individuals have fallen prey to a fraudulent container leasing investment scheme.
Eight individuals have lodged complaints with WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection, reporting a collective loss of nearly $54,500 in the current year, which exceeds the nearly $49,000 reported losses in 2021. The most significant individual loss in 2022 amounted to $12,150, compared to $13,000 in 2021. There is high consumer demand for shipping containers, utilized for storage, transportation, or potential conversion into living spaces.
Individuals are enticed to fraudulent websites through advertisements on online marketplaces like Facebook or Gumtree. Following their purchases, they receive invoices instructing payment via direct bank transfer, and once the payment is made, they receive no further communication from the deceitful business. Additionally, certain victims have reported that requests for additional funds are occasionally made, citing reasons such as delivery problems, customs clearances, and/or insurance fees.
Trish Blake, the Executive Director for Consumer Protection, emphasized the importance of recognizing key warning signs indicating a fraudulent website. She advised, ‘Exercise caution when products are advertised significantly below market prices, and especially when the only payment option is through a bank transfer, as these are potential indicators of a scam.
Utilize secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, enabling you to dispute transactions in case of non-receipt or issues. Take the initiative to find the official website of the legitimate business and independently reach out to verify the authenticity of the offer. Additionally, conduct an internet search on both the website and the business, and carefully read comments and reviews from other consumers who have engaged with the same site.
Another fraudulent scheme tied to shipping containers revolves around an investment opportunity where consumers are enticed to ‘lease’ a container, promising returns of up to 20 percent upon re-leasing.
“While some victims initially receive modest dividends, the payments abruptly cease, and attempts to reach the scheme’s promoters become futile,” remarked Ms. Blake.
Consumers are strongly cautioned against heeding advertisements that promise substantial profits from investments in shipping containers, as such offers are likely to be part of a scam or a Ponzi scheme.
For more information
https://www.scamnet.wa.gov.au/scamnet/Home.htm
