According to Consumer Protection, recent reports show seven victims of COVID-19 related scams lost a total of $68,000.
Most were the victims of fake websites, social media pages and advertisements in which COVID-19 was used as an excuse for why their online purchases had not been delivered.
Consumer Protection commissioner Lanie Chopping said the increase in online and social media shopping due to COVID-19 store closures has presented scammers with a golden opportunity.
"Scammers are always quick to exploit any situation and are now using the pandemic to give what appears to be credible reasons for bricks and mortar stores doing online and social media sales and using it as an excuse for delivery delays when in fact the product will never turn up," she said.
"Online and social media shoppers need to be cautious and stick to recognisable and reputable retailers rather than making impulse purchases on unknown websites.
"If the online retailer is asking for a direct bank transfer that is a clear warning sign. Try to always pay with a credit card or via PayPal as there is a better chance you'll get your money refunded through a chargeback."
Medical and police impostors
A WA-based Chinese student lost $13,800 when scammers, claiming to be from the Shanghai Medical Centre, called to report her COVID-19 results.
After being transferred to 'Shanghai Police' the student was told she was facing criminal charges, and the scammers demanded money to verify her identity and conduct financial checks to prove her innocence.
The student communicated with the police impostors via DingTalk and she sent a copy of her passport to the scammers.
Fake websites
Another three victims lost a total of more than $50,000 after purchasing farm machinery from fake websites that used the business names Bora Machinery and Coastal Machinery.
These consumers ordered second-hand tractors advertised at discounted prices and when the machinery didn't arrive COVID-19 travel restrictions were used as a reason for the delay.
Victims were directed to another bogus company Australia MD Transport for delivery. Other business names to have used this scam include TQG Farming and Coad Machinery.
The websites listed postal addresses that were either those of legitimate businesses or empty parcels of land and ABNs of legitimate businesses were also used.
Payments were made by direct bank transfer as credit card or PayPal options weren't offered, which is a sign that the sale could be a scam.
Another person lost $2,000 after buying a puppy from a fake website in which COVID-19 was used as the reason for delayed delivery.
WA ScamNet is currently attempting to have fake websites shut down but in the meantime consumers are urged to exercise caution.
Facebook scams
Two other victims lost money from COVID-19 related scams on facebook.
A fake facebook page using the name of a well-known phone company scammed one person out of $1,000 by telling the victim their store was closed due to coronavirus.
Another mobile phone purchased for $1,500 from a facebook marketplace ad directed customers to a facebook page claiming to be a store based in a local shopping centre that is currently closed due to COVID-19. The store doesn't exist.
Information and advice on scams is available on the WA ScamNet website where scam reports can be lodged. Enquiries can be made by calling 1300 30 40 54.
