Be safe online – Identifying scam sites
Over the past few months we have noticed an increase in complaints concerning fake online businesses offering what appear to be Weber barbecues at very competitive prices. Once the customer pays into the bank account provided by the fake business, they receive no further contact and do not receive the products. Due to ongoing police investigations, two websites have been identified and are no longer active – bbqdelight.com.au, and weberbbqstore.com.au.
Unfortunately, a number of people were caught in the lead-up to Christmas with what appeared to be generous discounts being offered on Weber barbecues and accessories.
The Financial and Cyber Crime Group are reminding people to exercise control when shopping online by ensuring the website is legitimate and researching the website online prior to making any purchases. If a website does not participate with a secure payment service such, as Paypal® or a credit card transaction, or is offering greater discounts for direct deposit, then it is most likely a scam. Usually the criminal is after your finances and your personal identification and financial information.
What are we doing?
As soon as we become aware of a scam website, we notify the appropriate authorities including the ACCC, ScamWatch, local police and any other service that the scammers may be using to trick consumers into handing over their money and personal information.
We are also looking to hear from affected consumers to help us stop this from happening again. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of this scam, please get in touch with our Customer Service team by calling 1300 301 290 or by sending us a private message on Facebook or Instagram.
How this scam works?
Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites that look like genuine online retail stores. They may use sophisticated designs and layouts, possibly stolen logos, and even a ‘.com.au’ domain name and stolen Australian Business Number (ABN).
Many of these websites offer luxury items such as popular brands of clothing, jewellery and electronics at very low prices. Sometimes you will receive the item you paid for, the item however will be a non-genuine product, other times you will receive nothing at all. Many sites may still send ‘confirmation’ emails or messages, with fake tracking details in a further attempt to mislead customers.
The biggest tip-off that a retail website is a scam is the method of payment. Scammers will often ask you to pay using a money order, pre-loaded money card, or wire transfer, but if you send your money this way, it’s unlikely you will see it again or receive your purchased item.
Have you been scammed?
We encourage you to report scams to the ACCC via the ‘report a scam’ page here. This helps us to warn people about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible. Please include details of the scam contact you received, for example, email or screenshot.
If you need further assistance, please get in-touch with us directly via our Customer Service team by calling 1300 301 290 or by sending us a private message on Facebook or Instagram.
