Online marketplaces provide a range of deals for savvy shoppers, but they are also a breeding ground for scams. Recently, there has been a notable increase in car-part scams, with fraudsters posing as authentic businesses in Perth.
Brett Glover, owner of Advanced Auto Wreckers, was taken aback when he started receiving calls from customers about orders he never fulfilled. Many individuals reported making payments for auto parts only to be left empty-handed. Investigations uncovered that scammers had set up fake online profiles that impersonated Advanced Auto Wreckers, deceiving unsuspecting buyers in the process.
Another legitimate business, Maddington Auto Wreckers, also fell victim to these fraudulent schemes. A false Facebook account was created to impersonate the company, resulting in unsuspecting individuals losing hundreds of dollars. One victim, Aleisha Belton, shared her experience, noting that the scammers presented themselves in a professional manner, closely resembling the real Maddington Auto Wreckers. This convincing facade led her to pay $350 for parts that never arrived. After the payment, the scammers became unhelpful and dismissive, claiming they had not received any money.
Consumer Protection reports indicate that Western Australians have lost approximately $6,000 to online auto scams so far this year, adding to the $15,000 lost last year. To safeguard against these types of fraud, consumers are urged to be vigilant when using platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Key precautions include checking the age of a seller’s page, contacting businesses through official channels, inspecting products in person, and using secure payment options such as credit cards or PayPal.