Bronwyn Hibbs, a 53-year-old from Queensland, wishes she had ignored the Facebook ad that led her to a deceptive purchase. Living with type 1 diabetes for many years, she was drawn to a “non-invasive laser glucometer” being sold for under $40, allegedly approved by Diabetes Australia. Believing the ad’s authenticity, she ordered two devices from the website AussieHaven.shop for $72.99.
Upon receiving her order, Hibbs quickly realised she had been scammed. Instead of glucometers, she received two oximeters, which are ineffective for managing blood glucose levels. Additionally, her PayPal account was charged $102.67 instead of the expected amount, including an unsolicited “trial eligibility” fee of $5.99. Attempts to contact the seller for a refund went unanswered.
After much frustration, Hibbs turned to PayPal, eventually securing a refund but recognising that many victims of such scams may never recover their funds. This incident highlights a growing trend, as Diabetes Australia has reported a surge in similar fraudulent advertisements on social media, some impersonating the organisation itself. According to Justine Cain, CEO of Diabetes Australia, individuals have reported paying for products that never arrived or received devices delivering inaccurate glucose readings, posing serious health risks.
The financial burden of managing diabetes is substantial, averaging around $4,000 annually for Australians, with type 1 diabetics often spending nearly double that. With living costs rising, many are searching for affordable products, which scammers exploit by promoting enticing deals.
Hibbs, typically cautious with online transactions, expressed her anger at being misled by a seemingly trustworthy ad. She noted that the transaction through PayPal appeared legitimate, contributing to her oversight. Scamwatch data indicates that social media scams are now the predominant method through which Australians lose money, with the specific diabetes-related scams identifying a new wave of exploitation.
Despite reporting the fraudulent Facebook page, Hibbs discovered several active ads for the same glucometer from the deceptive site that remained live weeks later. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, stated they are reviewing the situation, but Hibbs feels they are shirking responsibility.
In retrospect, she acknowledged red flags she had missed, such as the return address in Shenzen, China, and the eclectic mix of products offered on the site. Cain confirmed that Diabetes Australia does not permit businesses to use their logo for promotional purposes, suggesting further caution for consumers. She encouraged individuals to verify product claims with medical professionals and warned others to be sceptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
Hibbs hopes to prevent others from falling into the same trap, emphasising that if an offer appears overly enticing, it likely is. The case serves as a reminder to all consumers about the importance of vigilance when shopping online.