There have been a fair few scams going around recently, but scammers seem to be getting even more sneaky and tapping into our once beloved neighbourhood community pages.
Lana from The Breakfast Club pointed out one of these scammers who have been attacking the groups by ‘selling’ firewood.
The "Kiwi Wood and Firewood NZ" scam targets community Facebook pages where they pretend to sell firewood on various local pages across Aotearoa. However, unsuspecting victims who engage with the scammers end up losing their money.
They advertise firewood for sale at competitive prices, attracting attention from individuals looking to purchase firewood now that we’re heading into the colder months. When people enquire they are asked to provide their address as the first step. This initial interaction creates a false sense of familiarity and trust as they will act as if they know the area by identifying a local landmark or neighbouring street.
They will then ask for a deposit ahead of delivering the firewood. It seems that victims have been more likely to comply because they believe they are dealing with someone familiar with their location.
While the scammers attempt to appear legitimate, there are a few warning signs that can help potential victims identify the scam. Careful scrutiny of the photos posted by the scammers reveals inconsistencies, such as foreign number plates on the delivery vehicles or trees that don't match New Zealand's landscape.
To avoid falling victim to scams like this, it's important to exercise caution and stay vigilant when engaging in online transactions
