SHIPPING CONTAINERS, which are used for storage or transport and can be converted into living quarters, are in such high demand that people are being duped into trying to buy them from fake websites.
Consumer Protection said losses to shipping container scams in WA had escalated to $375,000 so far this year compared with $49,000 in total losses in 2021, prompting a renewed urgent warning.
WA ScamNet has received 79 reports from consumers about numerous fake websites selling containers.
A total of 60 victims have reported losses with the highest individual amount being $35,000.
The fake websites that offer the containers at low prices are promoted via advertising on some online classified websites such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
The shipping containers are in high demand for storage or transport and can be converted into living quarters.
After purchasing online, the victims are sent an invoice requesting a direct bank transfer. Once paid, the container is never delivered and the buyer is usually unable to contact the operators of the website.
In some cases, the bogus business demands more money to cover delivery costs, customs duty and insurance fees.
Consumer Protection executive director Penny Lipscombe said the escalation of losses reported in recent months is alarming.
Ms Lipscombe said items such as shipping containers that were in high demand yet in short supply were easy targets for scammers who know that, when people are desperate to purchase scarce items, their excitement at finding one may prevent them from thinking twice about the purchase.
“Looking at the rapidly rising losses, it’s clear that consumers buying these items online need to stop and think about whether the website is legitimate,’’ she said.
“Be wary if the containers are well below the market price and the only way to pay is by bank transfer.
“These are red flags that should prompt closer scrutiny before paying out any money.
“Our suggestion is to pay securely using a credit card or PayPal which will give consumers the opportunity to dispute transactions when the product doesn’t arrive.
“If the website doesn’t offer these payment methods, we recommend going elsewhere.
“Some legitimate operators have also had their identity stolen so an internet search may be required to reveal the genuine website and then contact the business to independently verify if the offer is genuine.”
More information about scams is available on the WA ScamNet website where online scam reports can be lodged and enquiries can be made by email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or phone 1300 30 40 54.
