Beware: Deceptive egg scam invades Aussie Facebook groups
- Replies 8
Social media has become a hotbed for small businesses to thrive, from Facebook Marketplace to local community buy-and-sell groups. After all, who doesn’t love the convenience of locally sourced, artisanal products delivered straight to your doorstep? It's a win-win situation, right?
Unfortunately, as we've discovered, nefarious individuals are always looking to exploit goodwill for their dirty deeds.
So let’s explore one example of an increasingly common scam involving fresh eggs that target unsuspecting Australians. Stay vigilant, members, because it's no 'yolk'!
Hanna Mouhetta is a Brisbane mum who shared her experience after falling victim to this devious scam. Having recently given birth, she juggled the demands of parenthood while maintaining a healthy diet. During one of her Facebook scrolls, she came across a post from a 'local farmer' named Esther Williams, who appeared to be selling free-range eggs.
‘Our fresh farm Eggs are usually 6$ for a Dozen but we have too many & it’s a weekday, so sale time!’ the post said. ‘If interested just pm (private message) me to make your order.’
According to Hanna, this seemed perfect timing. 'I thought, “Okay, great. I don't need to get out ... that saves me some time,”’ she said. Williams claimed to have a surplus of chicken, duck, and goose eggs and was selling them for enticingly lower prices.
Communicating via Facebook's direct messaging system, Hanna ordered two dozen eggs. Williams even convinced her to purchase the last three dozen.
She provided her PayPal details and asked Hanna for payment using the 'send to a friend' option.
Sadly, this was the first indication of foul play. But with the demand of a newborn clouding her judgment, Hanna didn't think twice and transferred $13.50.
Then, as the saying goes, the hen flew coop. Our intrepid scammer disappeared with Hanna’s money, and the promise of fresh eggs was no more than an empty shell.
'It's a little bit shameful because I'm a chartered accountant, and I should know better with that stuff,' Mouhetta said, underlining that even the savviest among us can be hoodwinked.
The case of Hanna is not isolated. Similar scams, including the same egg gag, have been found in various neighbourhood groups in the US, Canada, and other parts of Australia. Exactly how widespread this scam is across Facebook–which boasts about 3 billion active users–remains unknown as the social media platform chose not to respond to requests for comment.
Hanna also claimed PayPal nonchalantly handled her case, underscoring that even trusted platforms can sometimes fail to deliver. For their part, PayPal says they place a premium on customer security.
‘We encourage customers to be mindful when transacting, particularly with someone they don't know,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We also recommend ensuring that goods or services transactions are marked clearly as a purchase.’
PayPal's buyer protection is only available when purchases are made through the 'goods and services' feature, not the 'friends and family' transfer function.
This digital-era egg scam serves as a reminder to be careful when making online purchases, especially from unfamiliar sellers. And if you crack an egg of deceit, don’t blame yourself. Remember, scammers go to great lengths to make their schemes believable.
Let’s keep our wits about us, dear members! Check twice before you click 'Pay'. Let this be our new mantra: 'Check twice, pay once'! If something appears fishy, or in this case, 'eggy', it just might be so!
Have you come across this scam on Facebook? Let us know in the comments below!
Unfortunately, as we've discovered, nefarious individuals are always looking to exploit goodwill for their dirty deeds.
So let’s explore one example of an increasingly common scam involving fresh eggs that target unsuspecting Australians. Stay vigilant, members, because it's no 'yolk'!
‘Our fresh farm Eggs are usually 6$ for a Dozen but we have too many & it’s a weekday, so sale time!’ the post said. ‘If interested just pm (private message) me to make your order.’
Hanna Mouhetta has fallen victim to an egg scam on Facebook. Credit: Daniel Ryan/Facebook
According to Hanna, this seemed perfect timing. 'I thought, “Okay, great. I don't need to get out ... that saves me some time,”’ she said. Williams claimed to have a surplus of chicken, duck, and goose eggs and was selling them for enticingly lower prices.
Communicating via Facebook's direct messaging system, Hanna ordered two dozen eggs. Williams even convinced her to purchase the last three dozen.
She provided her PayPal details and asked Hanna for payment using the 'send to a friend' option.
Sadly, this was the first indication of foul play. But with the demand of a newborn clouding her judgment, Hanna didn't think twice and transferred $13.50.
Then, as the saying goes, the hen flew coop. Our intrepid scammer disappeared with Hanna’s money, and the promise of fresh eggs was no more than an empty shell.
The case of Hanna is not isolated. Similar scams, including the same egg gag, have been found in various neighbourhood groups in the US, Canada, and other parts of Australia. Exactly how widespread this scam is across Facebook–which boasts about 3 billion active users–remains unknown as the social media platform chose not to respond to requests for comment.
Hanna also claimed PayPal nonchalantly handled her case, underscoring that even trusted platforms can sometimes fail to deliver. For their part, PayPal says they place a premium on customer security.
‘We encourage customers to be mindful when transacting, particularly with someone they don't know,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We also recommend ensuring that goods or services transactions are marked clearly as a purchase.’
PayPal's buyer protection is only available when purchases are made through the 'goods and services' feature, not the 'friends and family' transfer function.
This digital-era egg scam serves as a reminder to be careful when making online purchases, especially from unfamiliar sellers. And if you crack an egg of deceit, don’t blame yourself. Remember, scammers go to great lengths to make their schemes believable.
Let’s keep our wits about us, dear members! Check twice before you click 'Pay'. Let this be our new mantra: 'Check twice, pay once'! If something appears fishy, or in this case, 'eggy', it just might be so!
Have you come across this scam on Facebook? Let us know in the comments below!
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