In the age of social media, where convenience and connectivity reign supreme, it’s easy to forget that not every offer we see online is as genuine as it appears. Unfortunately, Australians are learning this the hard way, as a new scam sweeps across social media, targeting individuals looking to save on their grocery bills amidst the rising cost-of-living.
Consumer watchdogs are warning Australians about a fast-growing online scam that is tricking thousands of people out of their hard-earned money. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
The scam in question involves fake butcher profiles that have been cropping up on Facebook, offering what seem to be irresistible deals on bulk meat purchases. These profiles, which are meticulously crafted to appear legitimate, are preying on the financial pressures faced by many, promising high-quality meat at low prices. However, the only thing these scammers are butchering is the trust of unsuspecting consumers.
The scam works like this: a Facebook user stumbles upon a profile or a group advertising bulk meat deals. The prices are competitive, the photos look authentic, and for anyone trying to stretch their dollar further, the offer is too good to pass up.
After making contact, usually through Facebook Messenger, the customer is asked to pay upfront. Unfortunately, after the payment is made, the meat never arrives, and the customer is left out of pocket and without dinner.
Consumer Protection has issued a stern warning to the public, urging everyone to exercise caution when engaging with such offers. Commissioner Trish Blake has highlighted the vulnerability of working-class Australians, who, in an attempt to mitigate the impact of rising grocery costs, may fall prey to these scams.
‘Meat is a significant expense for most families, making these scams particularly attractive during times of financial hardship,’ she said.
The impact of these scams is far from trivial. Take, for example, the case of Jay, a father of two from Northam, who lost $360 to a fake butcher scam. Or consider Olivia from Kununurra, who was duped out of $545, after thinking she was supporting a small business.
These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a worrying trend that has seen many West Australians lose significant sums of money.
The scammers’ tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In Olivia’s case, the scammers even requested a copy of her ‘authorised government card,’ a clear red flag that something was amiss.
Despite these warning signs, the scammers’ ability to manipulate and deceive remains a potent threat.
Consumer Protection’s ScamNet team has been working tirelessly to combat these fraudulent activities, successfully shutting down several fake profiles. However, as quickly as one scam is thwarted, another emerges, making it a relentless battle against these cyber criminals.
For legitimate butchers, the situation is equally frustrating. Izaak Currie, owner of Perth Meat Supplies, has seen photos from his store stolen and used to promote these fake deals.
‘It has been affecting us when people want to put in a big order, but they’re apprehensive because they’re not too sure if I’m a scammer or not,’ he said.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to be vigilant. Be sceptical of bulk meat sold on social media, the absence of legitimate reviews, requests for bank transfers, and businesses that lack a fixed address. Always verify the legitimacy of the business, and if possible, seek out verified profiles.
Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t let the lure of savings turn into a costly mistake. Stay alert, stay informed, and keep your hard-earned money safe.
At YourLifeChoices, we understand the importance of staying informed and protected against such scams. We encourage our readers to share their experiences and tips for avoiding these pitfalls in the comments below.
Also read: The new age of fraud: The new scams stealing millions—and how to avoid them
Give up the meat, go veg!!!
My question is:- how is the Meat going to be delivered, or is there a pickup address ??