Online shopping offers great convenience but can also expose consumers to scams. A recent surge in fraudulent practices has been linked to social media ads promoting various online stores, including Everly Melbourne, which falsely present themselves as local retailers while actually drop shipping from overseas. Customers like Debra reported overpaying for items, receiving poor-quality clothing instead. After spending $156 on three dresses, she discovered the garments were worth significantly less, and her attempts to obtain a refund were thwarted by policies claiming the items were ineligible for returns. Other victims, including Tanya, expressed frustration after purchasing low-quality dresses for much more than their actual worth.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has raised concerns about these deceptive practices, highlighting misleading claims about product quality, store origins, and refund rights. Investigations are ongoing, though specific companies remain undisclosed. Consumers are urged to perform reverse image searches to verify prices and suppliers, uncovering instances where dresses advertised for $70 are available for just $16 on platforms like AliExpress. The prevalence of these scams has left victims feeling cheated and frustrated, as many unwittingly believe they are purchasing from legitimate Australian businesses.