CROOKS are still using unwary newspapers in Australia in a bid to rob
potential caravanners of tens of thousands of dollars.
In the latest outbreak, an advertisement appearing in some central
Queensland newspapers offers a 2007 tandem-axle semi off-road Crusader
caravan "in excellent condition" for the bargain price of $14,000.
It would normally fetch around $30,000.
But the "too good to believe" steal has been proved to be yet another scam
by unscrupulous cheats trying to fool people out of their hard-earned
money.
"It's the old case of buyer beware," one caravan dealership told
Caravanning News. "Anyone falling for this scam can wave their cash
goodbye."
A contact number in the seemingly genuine advertisement, which has
appeared in at least two newspapers, connects callers to an automated
message bank.
The "seller", allegedly from Rockhampton, then sends an SMS to potential
buyers spinning a tale about being in the UK attending his uncle's
funeral.
It is claimed the Crusader XL had been left to him by the relative and was
now stored at the Mediterranean Shipping Company's Freemantle premises in
WA.
The fraudster promises the RV would be delivered for free after the money
was paid.
But in a statement, the shippers said they had no knowledge of the
caravan.
"The scam involves used vehicles, motorcycles, caravans and boats being
advertised for sale through trading websites and local newspapers," it
said.
"Once a potential buyer contacts the scammers, they are advised that the
goods are being held by MSC and can be shipped free of charge to the
buyer.
"Mediterranean Shipping Company is not involved in the scam and has
informed the relevant authorities to open an investigation.
"MSC is also taking action to have any fake MSC websites closed down
immediately."
The newspapers have now removed the bogus adverts and the Australian Cyber
crime Online Reporting Network is understood to be investigating.
