Kmart shopper issues warning over scam: 'Beware'
Kmart customers are being warned of a new scam being circulated on social media that could cost them dearly.
A concerned shopper posted a screenshot of what appears to be a Facebook post that claims to be giving away a Nintendo Switch game console for just $2.95.
"Kmart broke its contract with Nintendo and is giving away a Nintendo Switch game console to every Australian for $2.95. Answer a few questions to win," the post from Home Appliances Store reads.
"Beware... another scam page going around," a Facebook user shared, warning that a similar scam page for Dyson is also circulating online.
The author of the warning also related that a friend of hers fell for the Dyson scam and lost $700 as a result, adding that the scammers "just keep taking money" from your bank.
"Can't stop it unless u email them and threaten with lawyers," the shopper wrote.
Anger at Facebook over scam content
"It amazes me how scam ads are even allowed on FB... you'd think they'd go through a screening process and verify that it's legit but nope, they just are happy to accept anyone's money," one woman commented about the matter.
Another woman replied, citing that most posts are unpaid and added, "Funny how you can't say certain things on fb but ppl can put up as many scam posts as they want."
"Yea exactly, it's just so wrong that they don't screen for scammers, you have to report it and then you never find out if they removed it or just you can't see it anymore," another commented.
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Some Facebook users pointed out that people should see Nintendo post in question as a red flag in itself, as Kmart has not sold gaming consoles in their stores for years.
No sympathy for the scammed
Others, on the other hand, relayed their lack of sympathy for those who fall for such scams.
"The main thing that stood out to me was stupid people posting this and spreading the scam," one person commented.
"I'd really love to meet the people who fall for things like this, I've got a great used car to sell to one of them,” one Facebook user joked.
"How does anyone fall for this... it's almost $500 and to think you can get it for $2.95," another chimed in. T
These criticisms, however, didn't sit well with other Facebook users who had a different perspective on the matter of people getting scammed.
Vulnerable targeted by scammers
"This is just as infuriating as these comments. These scammers target people with cognitive impairments, old age... They prey on vulnerability. These victims aren't gullible or naive, they get purposely targeted by predators," once Facebook user pointed out.
"Exactly!! Not everyone is internet savvy or understand this stuff and it's really sad. These people think it's funny until their nan falls for it," added another.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 55 per cent or 11.1 million Australians aged 15 years and older were exposed to a scam between 2020 and 2021. Of these people, around 286,000 wound up scammed.
The most common types of scams people experienced were phishing scams and buying or selling scams, with Aussies losing a record $323 million to scams in 2021.
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