Against the backdrop of the energy crisis, fraudsters are apparently also taking advantage of the lack of raw materials to lure their victims into fake shops with cheap offers. You should be careful when prices for firewood are too low!
Transfers abroad
As early as July 19, 2022, a 56-year-old from Trappenkamp ordered three pallets of hardwood pellets for 299 euros each from an alleged wood company based in Ditzingen near Stuttgart, which offered, among other things, firewood and wood pellets and transferred almost 900 after receiving the order confirmation Euro to a French IBAN. At the time of the crime, the regular daily price was significantly higher and has continued to rise since then.
After nothing happened, the injured party researched on the Internet and discovered that only a car dealer was listed at the address given. When we contacted the car dealer, it turned out that he had already received several calls about the wood shop that was supposedly on site.
The ad on Facebook
A similar thing happened at the beginning of August to a 52-year-old from Tensfeld who ordered twelve cubic meters of firewood for 530 euros including delivery from a company supposedly based in Duisburg.
Having become aware of the alleged timber dealer's advert on Facebook, further contact was made via Facebook Messenger and later via WhatsApp, whereupon the injured party paid a deposit of 330 euros by bank transfer. The remaining payment should be made upon delivery of the firewood.
Shortly before the announced firewood delivery, the outstanding 200 euros should not be paid on site, contrary to the previous agreement, but rather transferred. The injured party then became suspicious and wanted to withdraw from the purchase. The announced firewood delivery did not take place and the shop can no longer be reached.
In both cases, the injured party filed a criminal complaint with the Trappenkamp police station. The Bad Segeberg criminal police are conducting the investigation.
If you suspect anything, look closely
Fake shops are fake Internet sales platforms that are difficult to distinguish from the original. The fraudsters often imitate well-known providers by copying their websites in order to feign seriousness. They also offer attractive prices and, as can be seen in these cases, take advantage of rising energy prices.
- Once the order and payment have been made, the buyers receive inferior goods or no goods at all.
- The perpetrators often operate from abroad. The money paid is usually gone and cannot be refunded.
- Basically, it is advisable to pay attention when prices are particularly low and compare the prices at other online retailers or locally.
- Do your research on the internet first before making a transfer!
Only use secure payment methods
Even if several payment options are initially advertised, the only option left during the ordering process is advance payment or immediate transfer. Particular caution is required, particularly with foreign bank details of an alleged domestic dealer.
But German IBANs are no guarantee of absolute security either. The accounts often belong to financial service providers operating abroad, where the trace of the money flow is then lost. If in doubt, you should refrain from purchasing.
If you still make a purchase, file a criminal complaint with the police and bring all documents such as the purchase contract, order confirmation or emails with you.
Further information on dealing with fake shops can be found at https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/fähr-im-internet/e-commerce/fake-shops/
Article image: pixabay
Source: PP/Bad Segeberg Police Department
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