A new scam has come to our attention. Scammers are pretending to sell shipping containers and defrauding potential buyers. The scam works almost the same as the holding deposit scam and the fake vehicle scam. Users are asked to pay an amount before they view the container.

We were made aware of this by a Junk Mail user. He was interested in buying a container advertised on Junk Mail. The scammers used 073 4708445 to advertise the shipping container. The Junk Mail user (Frans) wanted to pay the whole amount but the scammers only wanted a deposit. Frans said he could pay half the amount but that he needed their business name and VAT number before he’d pay them the money. These scammers somehow got hold of his business name and VAT number and are now giving this out to the people who are interesting in buying shipping containers. They never deliver and now Frans’ business is suffering because of this.

This is the photo that the scammers are using on one of their adverts:

Frans says that if Junk Mail users spot a transport company with a name that starts with “Ca” and a VAT number that starts with “470” they should not deposit money into their account. These scammers also offer free delivery and offer these shipping containers at a very cheap price.

Don’t get caught by this scam involving shipping containers. Don’t pay someone money for something that you have not inspected, even if the person comes across as a professional or if it sounds like the bargain of a lifetime. Remember to be smart, be savvy and be safe. Also remember that if something is advertised that sounds too good to be true, it’s most probably a scam.

If you’ve been a victim of this scam or any other scam or if you’ve stumbled across some fraudulent activity while using Junk Mail, please report this to our Customer Care Department via e-mail at ccc@junkmail.co.za or telephonically on 012-3423840 x2295 (during office hours).

Spread the word about this scam. Share this article with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. You could be the reason that someone is not caught by a scam like this. Remember: Sharing is Caring.

For more posts about scams, check out the Junk Mail Safety and Security Tips page. Also watch this space for regular updates about Safety and Security on the Junk Mail blog.