Tue Sep 24 03:36:16 UTC 2024: ## Kiwi Shoppers Targeted by Fake Online Clothing Retailers
New Zealand consumers are being targeted by a wave of fake online clothing retailers, with many falling victim to scams costing them hundreds of dollars. These websites, often disguised as legitimate New Zealand businesses, are convincing at first glance, but use stolen imagery, fabricated locations, and false reviews to lure unsuspecting shoppers.
The Herald has received numerous reports of these fake sites, which frequently appear on social media feeds through targeted advertising. One example is Elyse Auckland, a website claiming 15 years of experience and a location on Queen Street in Auckland. However, no such company is registered in New Zealand, and its reviews are fabricated. While the site claims to have 342 positive reviews on Trustpilot, the platform only lists 23 reviews, most warning of the scam.
Consumers who have purchased from Elyse Auckland report receiving low-quality clothing, with some describing the items as “worse than a cheap plastic tent.” Others have had their bank transactions blocked, saving them from further losses. The site’s return policy also raises red flags, requiring customers to ship items back to Asia at their own expense.
Further investigation reveals that Elyse Auckland is actually based in Belgium, and many similar fake stores are operating from locations like Vietnam, the Philippines, and the Netherlands. Facebook pages for these sites often feature poor reviews from victims sharing their experiences and warning others.
Cert NZ, the New Zealand government agency responsible for cybersecurity, has confirmed that they believe Elyse Auckland is a scam and are working to have the site taken down. The Commerce Commission is also aware of the problem and is working with other agencies to protect consumers from scams.
Experts advise consumers to be wary of any online store with a New Zealand location in its web address but is based overseas. It is also crucial to check for registered New Zealand businesses and review websites like Trustpilot for genuine feedback before making a purchase.
First Piper 