'Back of a van' speaker scam hits central North Is

Friday, 2 April 2004, 12:05 am
Press Release: Commerce Commission

'Back of a van' speaker scam hits central North Island

The Commerce Commission is alerting the public in the central North Island that an international scam involving the sale of speakers from the back of vans has hit the area.

The Commission has been investigating the scam since February and has been aware of operations in Auckland's Eastern suburbs and Whangarei.

The stereo speakers, which carry the brand names Pro Audio or Acoustic Reference, have been promoted as being made or developed in the USA, come with a 'certificate of authenticity' and are sold at prices of up to $1,500 per pair. The speakers are in fact made in China and have an estimated value of $50 per pair.

Director of Fair Trading Deborah Battell said that the salespeople have been operating out of the back of white vans. "The sales pitch is usually along the lines that they have an extra order that they can't return to the warehouse, so they will do a good deal," Ms Battell said.

"We are concerned people do not get conned into buying these speakers or other 'fallen off the back of a truck' type products, without being fully aware of what they are buying. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is."

Members of the public are encouraged to call the Commission's Contact Centre on 0800 943 600 if they are concerned that they or others may have been misled by the scam or if they hear of anyone operating in this manner.

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