How Platinum Freight® Exposed a Vehicle Import Scam in Katoomba
When a Katoomba woman found a used van online that seemed perfect for her new mobile business, she thought she’d secured a great deal. The overseas seller appeared legitimate, provided shipping updates, and even claimed the van had arrived safely at Port Kembla.
She had transferred $25,000 AUD and began preparing, and expected to soon see the vehicle.
But when she called Platinum Freight Management® to ask what the standard process for a motor vehicle customs clearance is, everything changed.
The Challenge
The importer believed that her van had already been cleared through the Australian Border Force (ABF) and that she would soon need to attend to Port Kembla (the RO-RO wharf to collect her van). The seller had sent her photos, and promised her a package deal where the seller would sell the van, ship the van and have all necessary Australian processes handled on her behalf. Along the way, the seller ‘drip scammed’ the Australian buyer by asking for payments along the ‘scam journey’.
Regrettably at the end of this scam journey, her instincts were starting to kick-in and she wanted a second opinion, our customs clearance team were able to advise her in less than two minutes that this was a scam.
Our Approach
Our customs clearance team immediately advised her that the process that she was describing was not the process that occurs when people import motor vehicles to Australia.
In short, there was no van and there was no van on a car carrying vessel destined to arrive in Australia.
The entire ‘scam journey’ was easily created as the scammer provided a packaged arrangement to sell the motor vehicle, to ship the motor vehicle, to pay the Australian taxes, and to also have the van available for collection at the wharf.
When the scammer provides a packaged arrangement, the scammer will also ‘drip scam’ (asking for payments) from the buyer along the scam journey.
We explained our findings to the victim and advised her to contact her bank’s fraud division immediately to try to recover the funds.
The Outcome
Thanks to her instinct to seek a second opinion and the verification process handled by Platinum Freight Management®, the buyer avoided sending any additional payments to the scammers.
While she had already suffered a significant financial loss, she was able to not send any further payments.
This case underscores the importance of independent verification when buying motor vehicles from overseas. Importers should always confirm shipping and import approval details with a licensed Australian customs broker before transferring any money.
What Importers Can Learn
Scams like this are increasingly sophisticated, using real port names, fake tracking websites, and counterfeit import documents to appear legitimate.
To stay protected:
- Always verify shipment details through a trusted Australian customs broker.
- Check import permits and Bills of Lading against government or port records.
- Never rely solely on seller-supplied information.
At Platinum Freight Management®, we provide verification and advice to importers across Australia, ensuring that every document and shipment is genuine before funds are released.
Worried About a Vehicle Purchase or Shipping Scam?
Before you pay, call Platinum Freight Management®. Our experienced customs team can verify your documents and help ensure that your import is legitimate and secure.
FAQ Section:
1. How can I check if my imported vehicle has actually arrived in Australia?
You can verify a vehicle’s arrival by checking the official Bill of Lading number and shipment records through your customs broker. If you can’t locate your shipment, contact Platinum Freight Management® immediately. We can verify legitimate shipping documents and detect potential scams within minutes.
2. Who can confirm if an import permit or shipping notice is genuine?
Only the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DITRDCA) issues legitimate Vehicle Import Approvals. Platinum Freight Management® can detect a fake V.I.A. Platinum® can also detect a fake Bill of Lading.
3. What are the warning signs of a vehicle import scam?
Common red flags include:
- Sellers claiming that the vehicle has already “arrived” in Australia without proof from a recognised shipping line.
- Fake import permits or delivery notices using incorrect logos or outdated formats.
- Requests for unexpected ‘drip payments’ along the scam journey.
If any of these apply, contact Platinum Freight Management® before you make any further payments.