Think before you click: The price of a ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deal

The convenience of online shopping can sometimes come at a high price—not just in dollars but in trust and safety.

When Bronwyn Hibbs stumbled upon a Facebook ad for a ‘non-invasive laser glucometer’ at a bargain price, it seemed like a serendipitous find. The 53-year-old Queenslander, who has managed type 1 diabetes for years, was intrigued by the promise of a pain-free way to monitor her blood sugar levels. The ad even boasted approval from Diabetes Australia, lending it an air of credibility. Little did she know that this click would lead her down a path of frustration and deceit. 

The website, AussieHaven.shop, claimed to offer products exclusively made and sold in Australia. Everything about it appeared legitimate, so without hesitation, Bronwyn ordered two glucometers for $72.99. But when the small white boxes arrived, her heart sank. Instead of the promised glucometers, she found oximeters, devices used to measure blood oxygen levels, not blood glucose.

To add insult to injury, Bronwyn discovered she had been overcharged, with $102.67 taken from her PayPal account instead of the expected $78.98. Attempts to contact AussieHaven for a complaint were met with silence. It was only through persistence and the help of PayPal that she was able to secure a refund after nearly a month of effort.

Bronwyn’s experience is not unique. Scamwatch reports that Australians lost more money to social media scams than any other contact method in 2024. Diabetes Australia, the nation’s peak body for diabetes, has expressed deep concern over the growing number of social media scams targeting Australians living with diabetes. Some scams even impersonate Diabetes Australia, using its logo without permission to sell fraudulent products.

The financial burden of managing diabetes is significant, with a 2024 Diabetes Australia study revealing that Australians living with diabetes spend an average of $4000 per year on management, and those with type 1 diabetes spend almost twice as much as those with type 2. With nearly 70% of people surveyed reporting increased management costs over the last five years and 90% anxious about the rising cost of living, it’s no wonder scammers see an opportunity to exploit those looking for more affordable solutions.

But as Bronwyn learned the hard way, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. She urges others to be vigilant and always verify product claims with their healthcare team. It’s also wise to be sceptical of ads that appear on social media and to do thorough research before making a purchase.

In hindsight, there were red flags that Bronwyn missed. AussieHaven’s return address was in Shenzen, China, despite claiming its products were only available in Australia. The site also sold an odd assortment of items, from drill bits to sushi makers—hardly the focused inventory of a specialised medical supplier.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has since removed the misleading content for violating its policies, and it actively works with police and regulatory bodies to combat such scams. In just three months, Meta removed over a billion fake accounts from Facebook.

As we reflect on Bronwyn’s experience, it’s clear that online scams are a growing concern, especially for those looking for affordable solutions to manage chronic conditions like diabetes. Awareness of these risks and thorough research before making a purchase can help protect us from falling victim to fraud.

How do you stay vigilant when shopping online? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—let’s continue the conversation and help others avoid these pitfalls!

Also read: Beware: The SMS scam popping up on phones across Australia