Losses to a shipping container scam in Western Australia have climbed to $375,000 this year with 79 reports to consumer protection officials.
WA ScamNet says numerous fake websites have been offering containers at low prices, with victims often lured by posts on social media.
The containers are currently in high demand for storage or transport, with some people wanting to convert them into homes.
After purchasing online, the victims are sent an invoice requesting a direct bank transfer but the container is never delivered.
In some cases, the bogus business demands money to cover delivery costs, customs duty and insurance fees.
Executive Director for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said the escalation of losses reported in recent months is alarming.
“Looking at the rapidly rising losses, it’s clear that consumers buying these items online need to stop and think about whether the website is legitimate,” she said.
“Be wary if the containers are well below the market price and the only way to pay is by bank transfer.
“These are red flags that should prompt closer scrutiny before paying out any money.”
Lipscombe said some legitimate operators had also had their identity stolen so an internet search might be required to track down the genuine website.
Among the victims so far this year, one person lost $35,000.
With news from AAP.