Queensland Woman Scammed by Fake Diabetes Device Ad on Facebook
A Queensland woman, Bronwyn Hibbs, fell victim to an online scam after purchasing what she believed to be a non-invasive laser glucometer advertised on Facebook. The 53-year-old, who has been managing type 1 diabetes for decades, was intrigued by the ad that claimed the device could read blood glucose levels using a laser, eliminating the need for finger pricks. The ad even falsely claimed approval from Diabetes Australia.
Hibbs clicked on the link, which directed her to a website called AussieHaven.shop. The site appeared legitimate, boasting that its products were made and sold exclusively in Australia. Trusting the claims, she ordered two glucometers for $72.99.
The Shock of Receiving the Wrong Product
When the package arrived, Hibbs immediately realized something was wrong. Instead of receiving glucometers, she found two oximeters—devices that measure blood oxygen levels and pulse but have no relevance to diabetes management.
“The outside of the package was what I had ordered, but when I opened them up, it was just one of those oximeter things,” Hibbs told 9news.com.au. “You can't do anything with it for your blood glucose—it’s all lies.”
To make matters worse, she was overcharged, with $102.67 deducted from her PayPal account instead of the expected $78.98 (which included a $5.99 “trial eligibility” fee). Her attempts to contact AussieHaven for a refund went unanswered.
PayPal Dispute and the Fight for a Refund
Determined not to let the scam go unchallenged, Hibbs turned to PayPal and requested a full refund. After nearly a month of back-and-forth communication, she successfully recovered her $102.67. However, many scam victims are not as fortunate and never see their money again.
Diabetes Australia and Meta Respond
Diabetes Australia, the nation’s leading diabetes advocacy group, has expressed serious concerns about fraudulent online advertisements exploiting Australians with diabetes. According to Justine Cain, Group CEO of Diabetes Australia, the organization has received numerous reports of misleading ads falsely claiming their endorsement.
“Some individuals have paid for products that never arrived, while others received devices that provided inaccurate glucose readings, posing a serious, even life-threatening, risk,” Cain stated.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has since removed the fraudulent ads after they were reported. The company claims to have removed over a billion fake accounts in just three months last year.
Red Flags to Watch for in Online Purchases
Upon closer inspection, there were several red flags on the AussieHaven website. Despite its claim of being an Australian brand, the return address was listed in Shenzhen, China. Additionally, the website sold an unusual mix of products, from drill bits to sushi makers, which should have raised suspicions.
Diabetes Australia has confirmed that it does not allow technology companies to use its logo in advertisements, making such claims another clear warning sign.
Protecting Yourself from Online Scams
Scamwatch reports that Australians lost more money to social media scams than any other form of online fraud in 2024. With the rising cost of living, people are seeking affordable medical solutions, making them more vulnerable to deceptive ads.
Hibbs, usually a cautious online shopper, warns others to stay vigilant. “If it seems too good to be true, then yes, it is definitely too good to be true.”
For safe diabetes management, experts recommend consulting healthcare professionals and verifying product legitimacy before making purchases online. If you encounter a suspicious ad, report it to Scamwatch and avoid engaging with unverified sellers.
Stay informed and protect yourself from scams by verifying product claims and only purchasing from reputable sources.
0 Comments