Consumer Protection says an increase in online shopping activity during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a 500 per cent increase in money losses to scams.
The Agency said that in 2020, 257 online shoppers in the State reported total losses of $653,745, compared to 129 victims losing $127,304 in 2019.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Lanie Chopping said 241 consumers who were looking for second-hand goods lost a total of $544,172, compared to 126 victims losing $191,792 in 2019.
“Overall, there were more scam victims but less money lost in 2020 with 952 victims losing $11.8 million,” Ms Chopping said.
“In 2019, there were 705 victims reporting $13.6 million in losses,” she said.
“As in most years, investment ($5.38 million) and romance ($2.17 million) scams topped the list of categories.”
She said the huge amount of money lost to scams was a blow to the local economy and devastating to victims.
“Money that could have flowed to legitimate local businesses is being syphoned by criminals who are very efficient and professional in their deception to dupe consumers,” Ms Chopping said.
“Posting fake ads, creating fake websites and sometimes threatening their victims by phone are just some of the many tactics used to steal money from people.”
She said WA ScamNet had a high level of success in having fake websites, classified listings and social media pages closed down.
“For example, recently about 30 puppy scam sites were deleted by a domain host company after being approached by our Consumer Fraud Liaison Officers,” Ms Chopping said.
“With online shopping and internet activity generally increasing year-by-year, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions, it is even more important that consumers are vigilant and do some checks to ensure the people or organisations they are dealing with online are legitimate.”
Information and advice on scams are available on the WA Scamnet website at this PS News link with the full 6-page report on the COVID pandemic scamming at this link.
