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Facebook community groups are helpful platforms for connecting with locals, sharing recommendations, and supporting small businesses.
However, they have also become hunting grounds for scammers employing various tactics to deceive unsuspecting members. One such prevalent scheme is the “car detailing scam,” which has been reported in many countries, including New Zealand.
Scammers pose as owners of small car detailing businesses, posting enticing offers in community groups, often with a hard luck story of falling on tough times. These posts often feature before-and-after photos of detailed vehicles and promise special discounts or no upfront payments. The aim is to lure members into direct messaging them. Once contact is established, the scammer’s tone changes, and they may request “refundable deposits” or personal information under the guise of securing a booking. In reality, these deposits are never returned, and the promised service is never rendered.
Youtubers who have investigated the scam have traced it back to call centres in Pakistan who create fake Facebook identities and messages to lure customers into engaging with them. Often the so-called technicians never arrive, or if they do it’s a random person engaged to do the clean but at nowhere near the required level for the prices charged. To protect yourself from such scams, it’s essential to be vigilant and recognise warning signs:
Unsolicited offers: Be cautious of unsolicited messages or posts offering services at unusually low prices. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Lack of detailed information: Legitimate businesses typically provide comprehensive information about their services, including contact details, physical addresses, and customer reviews. Scammers often lack this transparency.
Pressure tactics: Scammers may pressure you to act quickly, claiming limited-time offers or urgent availability. Take your time to research and verify the legitimacy of the service.
Requests for upfront payments: Be wary of businesses requesting deposits or full payments before providing any service, especially if they insist on unconventional payment methods. Netsafe, New Zealand’s online safety organisation, offers advice on recognising and avoiding scams:
Verify business pages:Check the business pages have detailed profiles and active selling histories. Check customer reviews for any negative feedback or red flags. Even then, many pages seem legitimate so check how long they have been active for and if the review profiles are legitimate.
Scrutinise seller profiles: When interacting with a seller, examine their activity history. Conduct an online search of their name to see if it appears in reports of scams.
How to Protect Yourself
Use secure payment methods: Avoid making payments through unconventional methods. Opt for secure and traceable payment options or only once you are fully satisfied the service or product has been delivered.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to the Facebook group administrators and to Netsafe. Reporting helps protect others in the community from falling victim.
Educate yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics. Netsafe provides resources to help individuals recognise and avoid scams.
