Demand for wood pellets has risen sharply in recent years – and, unfortunately, so has the number of fraudulent online shops. More and more consumers are reporting supposedly cheap pellet offers on the internet, where, however, no goods are ever delivered after payment has been made.
In light of recent events, we would like to draw your attention to the following:
In a recent case, our attention was drawn on several occasions to a website which – alongside other well-known brands – also advertises our product in its online shop.
We are taking this opportunity to once again specifically raise awareness among our prospective and existing customers.
Pellets are in high demand as an energy source, especially during the heating season. Price fluctuations and occasional supply shortages create the perfect environment for fraudsters. They lure customers in with extremely low prices in order to prompt snap decisions.
It’s worth taking a close look at the website. Fraudulent shops can often be identified by several typical characteristics:
1. Unusually low prices
If an offer is significantly below the market price, caution is advised.
2. Prepayment as the only payment option
Reputable retailers offer several payment methods.
3. Payment instructions via messaging services
If, after placing an order, you are asked to provide payment details via services such as WhatsApp or other messaging apps, you should exercise the utmost caution.
4. ‘Free delivery’ across large areas
With pellets in particular, transport and logistics costs account for a significant proportion of the total price. If free delivery is offered across wide regions, particular caution is advised.
5. Missing or dubious legal notice
If details such as the company name, address or contact information are missing, customers should steer clear.
6. No reviews or implausible reviews
Fake or exclusively positive reviews without any details are suspicious.
Being aware and critical when dealing with online offers is the best form of protection:
✔ Compare prices
A quick comparison with established providers helps to spot unrealistic offers.
✔ Check payment methods
Opt for secure payment methods such as invoice, credit card or PayPal with buyer protection.
✔ Check the legal notice
Check the details and do some additional research on the company.
✔ No payments via messaging apps
Reputable companies do not process payments via external messaging services.
✔ Look for realistic delivery terms
Costs and delivery areas should be transparent.
✔ If in doubt: steer clear
If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is.
If you are unsure about an offer, please feel free to contact us before making a purchase. We will help you assess the offer properly.
We would also be grateful for any tips:
If you come across a suspicious online shop, please do send us the details. This will enable us to respond more quickly and warn other customers at an early stage.
Online pellet scams are a serious problem that affects both customers and legitimate suppliers. Many cases of fraud can be avoided by staying vigilant and carefully scrutinising offers.
As a company, it is important to us to protect you from such attempts at fraud and, in doing so, to play our part in making online shopping safer.
