Barbecuecity.com.au and Topmarineoutboards.com.au Scam Websites

Ldavnkaz on 06/08/2017 - 18:20
Last edited 23/08/2017 - 16:59 by 1 other user

Hi all,
My first post on this great site and forum.

Apologies upfront if this is not the correct place for this post, but I am wondering has anyone ever heard of this online site selling for barbecues.https://www.barbecuecity.com.au
I have noticed a hell of a bargain for a Weber Family Q which I would really like to take them up on.

Obviously a great price, but what has set my alarm bells ringing is the fact they want to use bank transfer which as we all know is not protected. No credit card or PayPal, use?

Anybody else used this site or heard any horror stories?

Thanks for any advice on this.

Mod: Updated forum title and merged Topmarineoutboards.com.au post to this thread, both are operated by the same people and are confirmed scam websites. Do not purchase, if you have done so then report to the Police.

General Discussion

Related Stores

barbecuecity.com.au
barbecuecity.com.au

Comments

  • airal3rt on 06/08/2017 - 18:43
    +5

    they want to use bank transfer

    You just answered your own question.

  • lovesabargain77 on 06/08/2017 - 18:47

    The fact that on their about us page they don't even provide a full physical address and just list their location as 'Strathfield' seems dodgy to me.

    Also can't see any signs of an ABN on their website.

  • holdenmg on 06/08/2017 - 19:26
    +3

    Hi (from Adelaide).

    When I trace the Whois on http://www.ip-tracker.org/lookup/whois-lookup.php?query=barb…, it comes up with BBQ CITY (ADE) PTY LTD

    Then when I google BBQ CITY (ADE) PTY LTD it comes up with a well known Chinese Restaurant in Gouger St, Adelaide.

    Nothing to do with Strathfield, NSW, or BBQ's for sale.

    This: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:ZnVsKdB… says the listed 1300 phone number was available for $9.95 per month.

    I'd avoid it and look elsewhere…

    • spackbace on 06/08/2017 - 21:19
      +1

      Interesting that the abn has been around for nearly 7 years and is registered for GST.

      But definitely a scam with bank transfer only, but I was surprised to see that

    • Chickenleg on 12/08/2017 - 16:05
      +1

      lol that's the first thing I thought of when I saw the title. I usually get the steamed empress chicken and roast pork 🤤

  • wei13 on 06/08/2017 - 21:13
    +1

    Similar scams like this not long ago.

    • jonathonsunshine on 06/08/2017 - 23:36

      shes hot though.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2017 - 23:57
        +1

        6/10
        Too pixilated

  • PVA on 06/08/2017 - 21:33
    +1

    Likely a scam site, stay well clear of it.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/08/2017 - 21:39

    I know Strathfield very well and I've never seen a physical shop called that or any place selling weber bbq only about 10+ korean bbq restaurants.

  • steven6 on 06/08/2017 - 23:15

    I got some marine outboard joint when I rang their number 1300089956

  • davnkaz on 07/08/2017 - 08:23

    I am guessing I knew the answer to my own question, and as the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
    I also tried the phone number and got told all their agents were busy!!

    Thanks all.

  • Word on 07/08/2017 - 16:37

    Existing.

  • johnec on 16/08/2017 - 13:59
    +3

    I got caught as well but managed to intimidate them into making a refund.

    1. A bit of searching revealed barbecuecity.com.au and topmarineoutboards.com.au are are the same html pages with different skins.

    2. Converted domain names to IP addresses via http://www.hcidata.info/host2ip.cgi showing registration of these sites was actually USA

    3. Whois search of IP address from 2. revealed names, email address, telephone numbers of local contacts

    4. ASIC search of Davidoff P/L, the company associated with the bank transfer show a long history that looked suspicious

    Most time consuming was 1. From there its a 10 minute exercise.

    Hope this helps others.

    JC

    • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 13:49

      Hi JC, what do you mean by you managed to intimidate them? How did you get in contact?

  • Walsh on 16/08/2017 - 20:49

    Hi JC unfortunatly my mother was scammed by them. I have tried the above however cannot locate the phone number can you pls advise the number that you contacted

  • johnec on 18/08/2017 - 15:57

    Hi Walsh

    I'm sorry to hear that. These guys are SCUMBAGS!

    If you go to the contact page of https://www.barbecuecity.com.au/contact-us it's 1300089956

    If you go to the contacts page of https://www.topmarineoutboards.com.au/contact-us it's 1-800-254-543

    Different numbers but same answering machine. I just kept on leaving massages and sending emails

    Host Name : www.barbecuecity.com.au
    IP Address : 198.54.116.222
    Location : United States

    WHOIS results for barbecuecity.com.au

    Domain Name barbecuecity.com.au
    Last Modified 24-Jun-2017 17:08:13 UTC
    Status ok
    Registrar Name Tucows
    Registrant BBQ CITY (ADE) PTY LTD
    Registrant ID ABN 21146980430
    Eligibility Type Company
    Eligibility Name BBQ CITY (ADE) PTY LTD
    Eligibility ID ACN 146980430
    Registrant Contact ID TU97B8DCR94Y74HK
    Registrant Contact Name John Collins
    Registrant Contact Email [email protected]
    Tech Contact ID TU8I7UWTJ3KBLAAC
    Tech Contact Name John Collins
    Tech Contact Email [email protected]
    Name Server dns1.namecheaphosting.com
    Name Server dns2.namecheaphosting.com
    DNSSEC unsigned

    Host Name : topmarineoutboards.com.au
    IP Address : 198.54.115.213
    Location : United States

    whois result for topmarineoutboards.com.au

    Domain Name topmarineoutboards.com.au
    Last Modified 16-May-2017 17:29:29 UTC
    Status ok
    Registrar Name Tucows
    Registrant T KOSMIDIS & H RAKKAS
    Registrant ID ABN 42513058684
    Eligibility Type Partnership
    Eligibility Name T KOSMIDIS & H RAKKAS
    Eligibility ID ABN 42513058684
    Registrant Contact ID TUDDQKXSW2YLSBG1
    Registrant Contact Name Michael wilson
    Registrant Contact Email [email protected]
    Tech Contact ID TUE3ITWFMT78IVPM
    Tech Contact Name Michael wilson
    Tech Contact Email [email protected]
    Name Server dns1.namecheaphosting.com
    Name Server dns2.namecheaphosting.com
    DNSSEC unsigned

    You can do an ASIC search on Davidoff P/L

    The sites look very genuine. No grammatical errors, spelling mistakes etc and the prices 25 - 30% off are attractive but not unbelievable. These guys know what they are doing.

    I reported them to The Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) https://www.acorn.gov.au/ I suggest you do likewise for your mother.

    Good luck.

    JC

  • melandmatt86 on 18/08/2017 - 18:37

    Hi there,

    It appears I'm another gullible soul! I thought what a bargain!
    Ive paid and have not had any contact with them regarding my delivery
    Purchased on 10/8/17, paid 11/8/17, emailed and called 16th, 17th and today.
    Phone number isn't theirs and the topmarineoutboards website is exactly the same as stated above!
    My friend who made the payment for me is putting in a dispute with the bank - Johnec how did you manage the refund when they don't contact you?? I have advised that I will take appropriate steps to report them to the ACCC and OFT and I will gather my evidence for ACORN.

    Last time i try and surprise the hubby with a cool present thats for sure!

    What else can I do? :(

    Thanks!

    • Adamdaz on 22/08/2017 - 21:57

      Hi Jonec,

      Yes my wife got scammed by these pigs…! Father's Day is coming up so my wife decided to surprise me and buy me a Webber, however, to find out that the phone number on their website rings out and no one returns emails and after reading this blog to find out they are scammers!!

      We have also looked up both of these people Theo Kosmidis and Harry Rakkas and they are both affiliated to Quality Marine in the NT.

      We have also reported them to the Westpac Bank as the funds transfer go to Westpac account, ACCC and Qantas Credit Union who are all investigating this matter and have placed a watch on the account activities.

      Has anyone been able to speak to these pigs or has anyone every had their money refunded??

      Your help would be greatly appreciated.

      Regards
      Adam

      • steven6 on 23/08/2017 - 07:40

        I haven't been ripped off by these scammers but I went through to the payment information just to find out their details and I got a BSB: 062-010 which is a Commonwealth Bank of Australia account opened in Chinatown, Sydney.

        How did you come up with the Westpac Bank as the receiving account?

  • johnec on 19/08/2017 - 11:30
    +1

    You'll note that barbecuecity.com.au is registered to a company, BBQ CITY (ADE) PTY LTD, but topmarineoutbaoprds.com.au which is also a scam with near identical html pages and the same answering machine is registered to the partnership of T KOSMIDIS & H RAKKAS. They are relatively uncommon Greek names and even more uncommon when they occur together in one geographic area.

    Perhaps you might track them down that way and ask when they are going to deliver your barbecue.

    • melandmatt86 on 19/08/2017 - 11:40

      Hi,

      Thank you johnec

      I have looked into that and I have emailed them twice plus called them via the marine phone number also (even though they are the same).

      Im just curious how they contacted you to give you your refund? Im contacting them twice daily at least!

  • melandmatt86 on 23/08/2017 - 07:53

    We were given a westpac acc. BSB 032006 which is Castlereagh St, Sydney branch. Account name Lanig pty Ltd.

    I might look that company up!

    I have been emailing and calling to no success, but last night I received a "shipped" email without any tracking details and the carrier is "barbeque city carrier"

    Now, I wonder if I ever (not thinking I will) receive this BBQ, could it be stolen?!

    Steven6 I'd be curious if their sister scam site has the same bank details! 🤔

    • steven6 on 23/08/2017 - 09:42

      I did a pretend purchase about 2 hours ago with both barbecuecity.com.au and topmarineoutboards.com.au.

      They both had identical Bank Details:
      Pay to: LANIG Pty Ltd
      - Payment information:
      BSB : 062-010
      Account : 1112-2987

      • melandmatt86 on 23/08/2017 - 10:31

        Ah, well they are both under the same company name but different banks.
        I looked up Lanig Pty Ltd and it was a registered company in July 17.

        Take a look at this!
        http://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/fake-online-…

        The website picture of the previous website used (no longer on the net) is exactly the same layout as the current ones….

      • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 13:37

        Hi Steve, I've transferred to the same account. Did you get in contact with CBA to try retrieving your $$? I have tried through my bank (Westpac) and they say there is not much they can do as it is not proven to be a scam…

        • steven6 on 23/08/2017 - 14:04

          I only did a Pretend Purchase. I hope you can get your money back.

        • Barb60 on 23/08/2017 - 16:40
          +1

          Hi, I have been scammed as well and transferred money from my Westpac account to the Commonwealth account. I spoke with Westpac this morning and they have lodged a disputed claim. I also spoke with the Commonwealth Bank last night and they are logging it with their fraud department, plus I followed up with an email to the commonwealth today. In addition I lodged this with Australian Cyber (ACORN).

        • diogobz on 24/08/2017 - 15:00

          Hi Barb60, can you let me know the CBA email that you've used to follow up so that I can do the same?
          Thank you

        • Barb60 on 24/08/2017 - 15:31

          @diogobz:
          Hi, I sent the email to [email protected]. and with the Westpac which is my bank I just rang the number on the website and they logged a disputed claim straight away while I was on the phone so they should do this for you as well, hopefully we get some money back.

  • Theo Kosmidis on 23/08/2017 - 10:32
    +4

    Hi my name is Theo Kosmidis these are not uncommon Greek names Harry Rakkas and I have been in business together for 14 years these clowns have stolen our identity
    We own and run Quality Marine NT in Darwin we do not sell BBQ or anything online.
    we dont appreciate being rung up and abused after we clearly stated its an online scam with outboards and bbq sold as well
    We have reported this to scam watch consumer affairs ACCC and polic weeks ago (thats how we got this forums details) there is nothing else we can do.
    At the end of the day if its too good a deal its a scam $23,000 outboards going for $10,000 or $700 bbq going for $250 really no one makes that much profit and people are giving them deposits without any idea where the money is going not our fault.
    Buy local or of safe websites. only use paypal never ever direct deposit money you'll never see it again.

    Goodluck

    • melandmatt86 on 23/08/2017 - 15:58
      +2

      Hi Theo, thanks for your message and I'm really sorry that they have done this to you! I sure hope they get 'sorted' by the government and police. I'll be reporting for sure!

    • Chickenleg on 24/08/2017 - 18:49

      That sucks. Everyone needs to make sure they're aware of this and ignore the details they've stolen from you and BBQ City Chinese restaurant in Adelaide

      • SirFlibbled on 30/08/2017 - 12:10

        BBQ City is a great place for dinner BTW.

    • SirFlibbled on 30/08/2017 - 12:10

      You might wish to have a chat to IDCare (http://www.idcare.org/) which is a free service to help you recover your stolen identity.

  • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 13:34
    +1

    I have also been a victim of these scammers on the Outboard website. Found a good deal, committed to buy and in an impulsive stupidness I've transfer the money.
    No on answers the phone or replies to emails… I have reported to ACORN and also to the police today. The money was transferred to Lanig Pty Ltd which is a company registered under ACN 620 238 842 and the registered director is Edvinas Lukys, from 52 Station Street, Newtown NSW born in Lithuania.
    I don't like the chances of having my money back, but I'd be happy to put all the effort to make those scumbags pay for their crimes.

  • The Wololo Wombat on 23/08/2017 - 14:13

    Damn.

    I just got scammed too. What should I do?

    • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 14:25

      Try to contact your bank now and reverse the payment if you still have time…
      Report to ACORN, ACCC and Fair Trading…

  • The Wololo Wombat on 23/08/2017 - 14:54

    Barbecue City

    Just posting this so it will turn on on search results.

  • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 15:28
    +1
    Merged from Topmarineoutboards.com.au - Top Marine Outboards Alleged Scammers

    I have been scammed, don't buy anything from these guys!!!
    Transferred monaey to lanig Pty Ltd CBA account.

    • stirlo on 23/08/2017 - 15:44
      +2

      You sounds like a trustworthy guy with plenty of evidence to back up what you're saying

      • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 16:22

        great contribution Stirlo! Keep it up mate

    • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 16:26

      Yep Baysew, they somehow are related to the BBQ Scam.
      Same scam, nicely organised website with a client registration, password and email confirmation. They will get you to transfer cash via bank transfer and will never answer a phone call or reply to an email.
      I have reported to ACORN, ACCC, NFT and NSW Police. Many others have also been scammed and I only hope someone can stop and arrest those scammers.

      The money was transferred to lanig Pty Ltd following their invoice.

      I have also registered the incidend with CBA anti fraud team.

    • diogobz on 23/08/2017 - 16:28

      This is the topic on their barbecue "business": https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/322643

  • mark3251 on 30/08/2017 - 08:59

    I unfortunately (for the first time ever) got scammed. https://www.barbecuecity.com.au/. There website is very well done but they are a bunch of scammers.
    I also noticed another similar site has popped up. https://gardenoutdoorsales.com.au. Which also looks like the same guys as https://www.topmarineoutboards.com.au/

    • steven6 on 30/08/2017 - 13:59

      In regards to gardenoutdoorsales.com.au I went through with a fake purchase to get their bank details and they are:
      - Pay to: Putns PTY. LTD
      - Payment information: BSB: 034660
      Account: 388587
      These are different bank details to the bbq and marine site, but I agree the sites and payment method are much the same.
      I can't get through on their number on their website which is 1-300-793-114

  • johnfbrooker on 04/09/2017 - 11:37
    +1

    Sadly I was scammed by these guys on 31/08/17 and transferred the $575 immediately and sent the email to them as requested. The transfer was from my Nab account to their Davidoff Pty A/c which was also NAB so would be done immediately. I tried calling them but got the answering machine (outboard motors phone)saying their operators were busy, kept trying and trying and trying. I kept checking the status of my order but no change until today when I tried to logon to their website and its now been taken off and says that it has been suspended, tried calling them again but same answering machine. Went to my bank to put in a claim and will now fill in the paperwork plus report them to Acorn and the AFT. Have sent numerous requests for goods or refund but no correspondence back via email either. STEER CLEAR OF THESE GUYS, DONT GET CAUGHT OUT LIKE THE REST OF US!

  • johnfbrooker on 04/09/2017 - 11:45

    Forgot to mention the
    Davidoff Pty Ltd Account was NAB BSB: 084 009 A/C: 4459 23350
    so they must have a series of bank accounts opened.

  • 8paws on 04/09/2017 - 11:52
    -1
    Merged from Barbecue City Scam

    I stupidly purchased a Weber Baby Q from this non existent store online. Very angry about the whole thing - no barbecue and minus $250! I have now vowed to never purchase anything online again despite having no problems in the years I have been doing so. The bank transfer should have alerted me but……

    • cypher67 on 04/09/2017 - 11:55
      +1

      You created an account just to say that? Educate yourself on how to shop online safely

    • CyberMurning on 04/09/2017 - 11:59

      yeah that ^
      or just search ozb for the shop name/deal/review/talk
      if none, then dont buy from there.

      this ozb is like a shoppers bible - trust it

    • tre180 on 04/09/2017 - 12:00

      D'oh! This is why if i'm buying from a site i'm not sure about I check the forums first….

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/322643

    • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2017 - 12:03

      Paid by credit card?
      Change back?

      • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2017 - 12:22

        Charge back

      • airal3rt on 04/09/2017 - 12:25

        The bank transfer should have alerted me but……

        R.I.P

    • pantsparty on 04/09/2017 - 12:30

      Did you pay with a credit card or Paypal?

    • Scab on 04/09/2017 - 12:32

      Account suspended.

    • Fergy1987 on 04/09/2017 - 12:34

      I don't think vowing to not do online shopping is enough - I think all shopping should be ceased immediately. Get rid of all your possessions, Move to the forest and live off the land.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2017 - 16:18

      Sorry to hear. Next time stick with online shopfronts of bricks and mortar retailers, or major online specialists (eg Kogan, appliances online) to avoid item not sent or fake item.

      And you've realised this already but never pay via bank transfer.

      Don't worry about all the victim blaming above, generally OzB is a great community

  • 8paws on 04/09/2017 - 18:39
    +1

    Cannot believe all the nasty negative comments. I am not as savvy as you re technology, am 70+ and still learning. Being a pensioner $250 is a small fortune for us and losing this is upsetting enough without such horrible people commenting. One day you will all grow old too.

    • Scab on 05/09/2017 - 06:42
      +1

      Cannot believe all the nasty negative comments.

      That's the internet for you, just ignore the negative stuff.

      We've all made stupid decisions, just learn from it and move on, not much else you can do.

    • SirFlibbled on 06/09/2017 - 19:41

      Because you massively over reacted saying you'd never buy anything online again.

      As a rule from the future, if you're asked to pay by a method which doesn't give you the ability to charge back - don't buy from there unless you know 100% they're good.

      This includes things like bank transfers, Western Union or Moneygram.

      • melandmatt86 on 07/09/2017 - 10:20
        +1

        Give them a break! Mistakes happen! I did it and got scammed too. Shit happens, but is there really any need for all you guys to makes horrible comments? I bet 8paws feels a whole lot better now!

  • 8paws on 05/09/2017 - 08:37
    +1

    Thank you

  • diogobz on 07/09/2017 - 11:58

    What I find hard to believe is that after scamming a bunch of people and stealing money, the website is still up and running.

    I myself have reported this to the NSW police, ACORN, ACCC, NSW Fair Trading, banks…

    Very Frustrating to see that they manage to keep doing this and stealing peoples $$$

  • qwertyu on 07/09/2017 - 12:02

    In Motion Sport centre seems to be another scam company run by the same group. Pretty much identical to the Top Marine scam outfit. Only the bait is bikes and gym equipment. Bummed.

    • steven6 on 08/09/2017 - 22:54
      +2

      How did you find that site?
      I went through a 'pretend' purchase and they have listed these details as their bank account:
      - Pay to: J.Nagy Sports
      - Payment information: BSB : 062-948
      Account : 062-948
      They aren't the smartest crims, they have put their bsb number as their account number.

      • qwertyu on 11/09/2017 - 12:43
        +1

        It came up on top as I googled 24" wheel bike.

        I was given bank details in the name of Lanig P/L (but different BSB/account numbers to the ones listed anywhere above). Then they emailed to apologise, saying they had accidentally sent me the wrong bank details. They said they had cancelled my order and and asked me to pay again. I thought it was pretty flakey, but still didn't twig. So not such stupid crims maybe.

        I found out about the other scams by trying a few different variations of their phone number.

    • Halo375 on 12/09/2017 - 22:44

      Just saw that too and came to post the good news!

  • LiveandLearn on 13/09/2017 - 18:08
    +1

    Can't believe I fell for this too and I'm an IT professional! Don't be too hard yourself 8paws it's happened to the best of us. I've never bought anything online and paid for it by Bank transfer. I can't fathom what possessed me to do so this time. It seemed so legit and a Weber BBQ for Father's Day seemed like a great idea at the time.
    I made contact with my Bank today and they can put a process in place to attempt to recover the funds. I don't hold out much hope but it's worth a try.

  • 8paws on 13/09/2017 - 19:18
    +1

    Hi LiveandLearn - my Bank is going through the process of trying to recover my $250 because the BSB and Account Number I paid into was active. Here's hoping but I'm not holding my breath!

  • qwertyu on 13/09/2017 - 22:49

    Great News! Although unfortunately, inmotionsportcenter.com.au are still open for business. In fact, the site has had a revamp.
    Wanna buy a bike?

  • The Wololo Wombat on 17/09/2017 - 10:38
    +2

    Great news! I disputed my transaction with NAB (my bank) and I got my money returned!! I took about a month to go through.

  • 8paws on 17/09/2017 - 12:52
    +1

    WooHoo I hope I am as lucky. Unfortunately I don't Bank with NAB and this was the Bank that their account was with.

  • melandmatt86 on 18/09/2017 - 10:42

    We haven't received any dispute payment as yet and I bank with the CBA. Hope it comes through! I reported the scam to ACORN too.

  • Markone on 28/09/2017 - 15:01

    https://inmotionsportcenter.com.au/ FRAUD
    No doubt running in conjunction with Barbecuecity and all the others.

    BSB: 032 006 ACC: 620238842 closed on 16/08/2017 in name of LANIG PTY LTD Westpac Account at 242 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

    BSB: 032 006 ACC: 769-685 opened on 17/08/2017 in name of LANIG PTY LTD at the same Westpac Branch (Really alert at that branch)

    Changed Banks
    NOW using an account opened at Commonwealth Bank at 48 Market Place, Sydney

    BSB: 062 948 ACC: 062 948 (Not Accurate) in name of J Nagy Sports Female would call buyer and tell them correct account number.

  • rickandrhonda on 17/01/2018 - 15:14

    Hi all.
    New poster here.
    I to was scammed by a Barbecue online store. It looks like they have changed their name to: www.barbequeworld.com.au
    I bought a weber family Q and transferred the money to their bank account which is an ANZ account. Surprise, surprise…no Barbecue!

    I have also reported the incident to the ACCC and ACORN.

    Please pass the above web address to everyone to make sure that no one else is ripped off.
    Cheers.

    • Halo375 on 18/01/2018 - 10:19

      Website blocked on my phone so might already be down.

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