INTERNET 'SPECIALS' NOT SO SPECIAL

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech today warned Queenslanders to be wary of buying electronic goods at ‘internet only specials’ that seem too good to be true.

The warning follows the discovery of a website advertising Playstations, XBoxes, plasma screens and other electronic goods at bargain basement prices - 4GB iPods advertised for as little as $199 and plasma TVs for $999.

“The Queensland Office of Fair Trading and other consumer agencies are investigating the company involved,” Mrs Keech said.

“We’re concerned people purchasing these goods are not getting what they paid for.

“A number of New South Wales people have reported sending money for goods but not receiving them. We now believe Queenslanders are being targeted via newspaper advertisements.”

Mrs Keech said the company had also been accused of misleading advertising, with suspect contact and trader details provided.

“It has also been alleged the company tried to scam newspapers into running large full colour advertisements with no intention of paying the account,” she said.

“A Queensland newspaper was almost scammed, but quick action by the newspaper, the Office of Fair Trading and Queensland Police ensured the ads were not run. This not only saved the newspaper many thousands of dollars but also potentially saved Queenslanders money and disappointment over the coming festive season.

“People who suspect they have been scammed are urged to contact their banks as soon as possible to try to cancel the transaction.

“People should also lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading and police.”

Mrs Keech urged Queenslanders to be vigilant for scams.

“If an offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is,” she said.

“Protect yourself when buying good online by:

·Finding out who you are dealing with - check to see if the company has a physical address and phone number.

·Avoid deals that ask you to pay via money order or wire transfer – money lost this way is almost impossible to recover.

·Making sure the site you use has secure payment facilities. Check the web address starts with https:// or displays an icon of a locked padlock in the bottom right corner of your screen.

”You can also check suspicious offers, names or businesses with the Office of Fair Trading.”

To report new scams or suspicious offers, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.

Inquiries: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Olivia Nemeth (OFT) 3119 0067