By Mitchell Clarke
A group of angry online shoppers have allegedly lost thousands of dollars after attempting to purchase niche wooden products from a local online business.
The Cardinia Crime Investigation is investigating a series of “wooden furniture scams” which allegedly took place this year.
The Gazette has been made aware of at least 30 people claiming to have been “ripped off” by a Cardinia woman, believed to be behind an online company specialising in recycled timber furniture.
The business is accused of taking “substantial deposit payments” from at least five victims, who purchased timber pieces from Facebook marketplace, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
“It is believed five victims bought timber wood pieces from an online marketplace and made a substantial deposit payment,” the spokeswoman said.
“Once they paid the deposit the online business ceased all contact, leaving the victims without their items or their money back.”
Police said the reported deceptions occurred on 1 April, 5 May, 20 May, 31 July and 5 August.
A Facebook support group for victims was set up by Phillip Island woman Sophie Lamberton, who never received barn doors for her pantry.
Ms Lamberton said she paid a $500 deposit after being told her order would be fast-tracked due to a cancellation.
She claims the woman behind the company, which the Gazette has chosen not to name, asked her to pay the final 50 percent payment before the item had been delivered.
“I was stoked but I didn’t feel comfortable paying the remaining $500 as I hadn’t seen the doors yet,” Ms Lamberton explained.
Ms Lamberton said she was reassured the product would be delivered the next day, but it never came.
The businesses Facebook page has since been deleted and Ms Lamberton said all communication had ceased.
“I’m heartbroken, I’m angry and I’m gutted that this happens … It’s hard enough given everything that’s going on in the world at the moment. People try to support local business and then this type of thing happens,” she said.
Cockatoo woman Helena Bryan deposited $700 for a barn door which she never received.
“It now makes us dubious about trusting honest people trying to make a living on marketplace,” Ms Bryan said.
Seaford woman Joanne Quinn forked out a $1200 deposit on three doors for her new house, before paying the balance when told her products were complete.
She also never received the products and was forced to spend another $3000 to replace the products.
“I’m building my own home, working from home and home schooling three boys … this is one of the hardest moments of my life,” she said.
“It’s nothing short of disgraceful and the lowest of the low.”
A Consumers Affair Victoria spokesperson said anyone who hadn’t received an item they purchased online should contact their bank or financial institution, if unsuccessful in getting a refund from the seller.
“While most businesses are doing the right thing, consumers should think twice before paying directly into the store or seller’s bank account before receiving the item,” the spokesperson said.
“It is safer to use your credit card or an online payment service such as PayPal or BPay, because you can dispute the charges if there is a problem with the item or it does not arrive.”
The police investigation remains ongoing and detectives urge anyone with information to come forward.
