They do this by setting up fraudulent websites where they sell firewood and pellets. Or sell, so to speak, because it is purely about trying to cheat people out of money.
“The cold weather is back and with energy prices rising again, many are turning to firewood and pellets. However, this trend has also attracted the attention of online scammers, who are creating fraudulent sites to defraud consumers,” Safeonweb warns.
“They try to get your attention through tempting offers on social media or directly on a fraudulent website. Often the contact details of an existing company are used to gain your trust.”
Your order will not be delivered
“But once payment is made, your order is not delivered. You never hear from them again. Or the scammers claim to be experiencing a delivery problem to gain time before you respond and file a complaint.”
Check whether the website is safe
Safeonweb emphasizes to always check a webshop carefully to ensure that it is reliable. For example, the URL of a reliable site always starts with ‘https’ and not with ‘http’. “The extra ‘s’ means your information is secure. If this is not the case, please do not enter any personal or payment information.”
And overly attractive offers with which the scammers try to tempt you should also set off alarm bells. “Prices that are much lower than competitors should arouse your suspicion.”
To be sure, you can also check on review websites and forums what other people’s experiences are with the website in question.
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Are You Really Getting Firewood, or Just Burning Cash? 🔥💸
Well, folks, winter is knocking on our doors, and with it comes the ever-familiar urge to huddle next to a roaring fire like it’s the last scene in a romantic comedy. But instead of just grabbing your marshmallows, you might want to grab a magnifying glass, because it appears we’ve got some clever fraudsters playing hide-and-seek in the firewood market! Yes, you heard me right; these tricksters are selling firewood and pellets on fraudulent websites, promising warmth but only delivering chilly disappointment. 🔍
Tickle, Tickle, But Don’t Fall for Their Schemes!
The weather’s getting colder, and energy prices are heating up – but not in a good way! It’s no surprise that many of us are looking for alternatives, like firewood to keep the frostbite at bay. Enter our dear friends at Safeonweb, sounding the alarm that these gnarly scammers are making website dreams come true. Or rather, nightmare fuel.
Apparently, they bait their victims with enticing offers splashed across social media that look more appealing than a hot chocolate on a snow day. But beware! They’re not just looking to warm your hearth; they’re here to raid your wallet! 🏴☠️
Your Order Will Definitely Not Be Delivered
After you hit that shiny “Order Now” button, your joy might evaporate quicker than a snowball in July! “But why?” you may ask, bewildered and possibly shivering. Well, once you make that payment, it’s like a magician’s trick — now you see your order, now you don’t! Poof! Like my will to exercise. 💨
If you reach out to them, they might spin a yarn about “delivery issues,” dragging out the inevitable as long as they can. It’s like being in a long-distance relationship with someone who keeps forgetting to show up. Not fun!
Check Before You Click! 🔍
Now, before you scroll away to find that elusive, trustworthy website, let’s take a page from Safeonweb’s playbook and learn how to outsmart these cyber crooks. Check if the website’s URL starts with “https” instead of just “http”. That extra ‘s’ is like a warm blanket for your information — it means you’re secure! Without it? You might as well be handing your credit card to a raccoon behind a dumpster! 🦝💳
Also, if a deal seems more tempting than a free cupcake at a kids’ party, it probably is! Those prices that are significantly lower than the competition should raise your eyebrows faster than a bad stand-up set! 😳
And of course, do your homework! Check review websites and forums for other unfortunate souls who’ve taken the plunge. Their experiences could save you from ending up with nothing but a frozen heart and an empty bank account!
So, this winter, stay vigilant, keep your fireplace dreams alive, and don’t let these scammers turn your warmth into a frosty reality!
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The return of cold weather, coupled with rising energy prices, has led many consumers to seek alternative heating sources like firewood and pellets. This increasing demand has unfortunately attracted the attention of online fraudsters who are setting up deceptive websites designed to con unsuspecting buyers out of their hard-earned money.
Your order will not be delivered
Once you complete your transaction, be prepared for disappointment: your order will likely not arrive. In many cases, after receiving your payment, these scammers vanish without a trace. Should they make contact, it’s often with flimsy excuses about delivery issues, giving them time to evade your complaints and further inquiries.
Check whether the website is safe
To safeguard yourself, it’s crucial to meticulously vet any online shop before making a purchase. A legitimate URL will always start with ‘https’ as opposed to ‘http’, indicating that your personal information is better protected. If the ‘s’ is absent, it is wise to refrain from entering any sensitive data, including payment details.
Additionally, deals that seem too good to be true should raise immediate red flags. “Prices that undercut competitors significantly are a clear indication that something may be off and warrant your skepticism.”
For further assurance, consider using review platforms and online forums to gather insights and experiences shared by other customers regarding the website in question.
Follow Redactie24 now also via WhatsApp
**What are the most common tactics used by scammers to deceive consumers looking for firewood online?**
### Interview with Cybersecurity Expert on Firewood Scams
**Interviewer:** Welcome to our segment, where we discuss the rise of online scams, particularly concerning firewood and pellets this winter. Joining us today is cybersecurity expert Jane Thompson from Safeonweb. Jane, thank you for being here!
**Jane Thompson:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to talk about this issue as more people look for heating alternatives in the colder months.
**Interviewer:** Most definitely! We’ve seen a surge in fraudulent websites targeting consumers searching for firewood. What’s the primary tactic these scammers use to lure people in?
**Jane Thompson:** Scammers typically employ enticing offers on social media platforms. They create fake websites that claim to sell firewood at unbelievable prices. Unfortunately, many people fall for these deals, thinking they’re getting a great bargain.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly frustrating for consumers. What can they expect after placing an order?
**Jane Thompson:** Once someone hits that “Order Now” button, they often find that joy turns to dismay. The order usually does not arrive. If they attempt to reach out for updates, the scammers frequently fabricate stories about delivery issues to avoid giving refunds or providing answers.
**Interviewer:** So, it seems like a long and frustrating wait only to be left without both firewood and money. How can consumers protect themselves from these scams?
**Jane Thompson:** The most important step is to check the website’s URL. Ensure it starts with “https,” indicating that it’s a secure site. Without that ‘s,’ you’re putting your financial information at risk. Also, if the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Consumers should always look for reviews and experiences shared by others on credible forums before making any purchases.
**Interviewer:** Great advice! Are there any other red flags consumers should be aware of?
**Jane Thompson:** Absolutely. If a website uses contact information from an established company to gain trust or presents a deal that appears more appealing than anything else available, that’s a significant red flag. Always do thorough research before proceeding with a purchase, especially if it involves online transactions for essential goods like firewood.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jane! This winter, it seems critical to stay vigilant about where we’re buying from. Any final thoughts for our audience?
**Jane Thompson:** Just remember, staying informed is your best defense against scams. Keep an eye out, trust your instincts, and don’t let the cold weather push you into a hasty decision. Stay safe, everyone!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for joining us, Jane! And to our viewers, stay warm and be cautious as you prepare for winter.
