Online auto part scams surge in Perth, costing thousands

Online marketplaces offer bargain hunters a treasure trove of deals, but they also serve as a fertile ground for scammers.

There's been a surge in car-part scams over the past year, with fraudsters masquerading as legitimate Perth businesses.

Brett Glover, the owner of Advanced Auto Wreckers, expressed shock when customers began contacting him about orders he never received. 

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Customers reported placing orders and making payments, only to never receive their purchased parts.

Investigations revealed that scammers had created fake online profiles, posing as Advanced Auto Wreckers and duping unsuspecting buyers.

Maddington Auto Wreckers, another genuine business, also became a target of these fraudulent activities, a fake Facebook account impersonating the company and deceiving individuals of hundreds of dollars.

Aleisha Belton, one of the victims, described how the scammers' online presence appeared professional, mirroring the authentic Maddington Auto Wreckers. She was lured into making a $350 payment for parts that never materialised.

Belton's experience highlights the scammers' manipulative tactics. After receiving her payment, their demeanour shifted, and they became dismissive, claiming they had not received the money.

According to Consumer Protection, Western Australians have collectively lost $6000 to online auto scams so far this year, whilst $15,000 was lost last year.

To protect themselves, consumers are advised to exercise caution when shopping on Facebook Marketplace, scrutinising the age of the seller's page, directly contacting businesses using their official contact information, inspecting purchases in person, and utilising secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.