$13k lost in diamond scam

Great Southern residents have been warned against sale advertisements on social media after an Albany man lost $13,000 recently.

The man responded to an advertisement on Facebook which stated someone from Namibia was selling rough diamonds.

When he contacted the seller, who was actually a scammer, he was asked to send $3500 for the diamond.

He was also asked to pay costs to cover taxes, freight and insurance.

Consumer Protection Great Southern senior regional officer Iris Thomas said the man was told the diamond would be posted to him and he received a tracking number.

“When he didn’t receive the diamond he contacted the scammer and was given various excuses and was also told that there had been a mistake in that the diamond had been sent to the wrong country,” Ms Thomas said.

“The scammer told the consumer he would send another one; however, he had to pay costs for freight, taxes and insurance again.

“The consumer paid for these costs.

“The consumer never received the diamond and in total ended up paying $13,000.”

Ms Thomas said the victim made contact with Consumer Protection on Monday afternoon after learning he had been scammed.

Information and advice regarding scams can be found at scamnet. wa.gov.au.

To report a scam, email wascam net@commerce.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.