Ah, Christmas, a time for joy, goodwill, and, sadly, a prime opportunity for scam artists targeting unsuspecting Kiwis.
From Auckland to Otago, scammers are flooding platforms like Facebook Marketplace with enticing offers on tiny homes, shipping containers, and portable cabins. These deals often come with prices that are too good to be true, and spoiler alert: they are.
A Growing Problem Nationwide
Police across New Zealand are reporting a surge in tiny house scams, with victims losing thousands of dollars. A common ploy involves fake sellers using aliases, such as ‘Sarah Hill,’ to advertise tiny homes for around $10,000.
Here’s how it typically works
The scammer convinces the victim to transfer money upfront, promising an unbeatable deal. Once payment is made, the listing disappears, all communication is blocked, and the money is unrecoverable. Many scammers operate from overseas, making it nearly impossible to retrieve the stolen funds.
Real People, Real Losses
One victim has reported losing $10,000, while others have also suffered significant financial losses. Police are urging anyone affected to report the scam by calling 105 and quoting file number 231007/7573. Acting quickly can help prevent further damage and alert others to potential fraud.
Protect yourself from falling victim to these scams by following these precautions:
Meet, Inspect, Repeat
Always insist on viewing the tiny house or item in person before making any payments. A trustworthy seller will have no issue meeting you and showing you the item. If they make excuses like being overseas or unavailable, it’s a red flag.
Avoid Upfront Deposits
Never transfer money before receiving the item. Genuine sellers won’t pressure you into paying upfront. If they do, walk away.
Verify the Seller
Check the seller’s profile for ratings, activity, and mutual connections. A sparse profile or lack of information is a major warning sign.
Reverse Image Search
Scammers often steal photos from legitimate listings. A quick reverse image search can expose stolen images and confirm if the listing is fake.
Know Market Rates
Research current prices for tiny homes and land. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers rely on unusually low prices to lure in victims.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your gut. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t let anyone pressure you into rushing the process.
Spread the Word
Tiny house scams thrive on urgency and holiday distractions, but the more we talk about them, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. Help friends and family, especially those less tech-savvy, understand the risks and how to avoid them.
Act Fast If You’re a Victim
If you believe you’ve been scammed: Report it: Contact Police at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 or call 105. 1. Contact your bank: Immediately suspend your account to prevent further losses.
Keep Your Holiday Cheer Intact
Don’t let scammers ruin your tiny house dreams or your Christmas spirit. By staying vigilant and spreading awareness, we can protect ourselves and others from falling victim to these schemes. This holiday season, let’s be clear with our wishes: “Dear Santa, I’d love a tiny house, but skip the scammers, thanks!”
