Consumers lose $110,000 in online appliances scam

Queensland Police are searching for a man and woman they believe to be in Brisbane to help with their investigation into an online scam which has cost shoppers more than $110,000. 

They allege that at least 27 websites have been luring in victims by claiming to offer discount goods, including air conditioners, barbecues, gym equipment, and outboard motors which shoppers claim to have paid cash for but the good never arrived.

The websites taken down so far include:

• airconditionerexperts.com.au
• appliancediscounters.com.au
• appliancespecialists.com.au
• bbqdeals.com.au
• gymsource.com.au
• outboardcentre.com.au
• bbqmaster.com.au
• expertfitness.com.au
• bbqarena.com.au
• gardenoutdoorsales.com.au
• barbecuesales.com.au
• bbqmasters.com.au

Along with some more websites claiming to sell marine outboards, police are concerned that there could be more dodgy websites involved in the scam, and expect the number of victims and money lost to rise. 

“Firstly I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge those who have reported the matter to ACORN to allow us to investigate these matters. At this stage we have received 126 reports in relation to 27 separate websites. We anticipate somewhere in the vicinity of $110,000 has been lost so far, however we expect this figure to rise,” Acting Detective Inspector Peter Robb said.

Robb also warned consumers to be alert when it comes to this type of scam, warning that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

“By shopping online at sites that you know are trusted and using established payment systems that offer buyer protection, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams,” he said. 

If you believe you may have fallen victim to this or another scam, you are encouraged to report it to ACORN.

Have you come across any dodgy websites that don’t deliver on promised and paid-for goods?