Shoppers warned after 'ghost' store attempts to profit from Bondi terror attack

Published 2 hours ago
Source: 9news.com.au
Shoppers warned after 'ghost' store attempts to profit from Bondi terror attack

Shoppers are being warned about a fake online store that has claimed to be based in Bondi and directly affected by the terror attack, citing the tragedy as the reason for the store's closure and discounted prices.

Isla and James claims to be an online fashion store based in Bondi.

The site references the shooting multiple times, including claiming the co-owner of the store, "James", was shot in the terror attack.

Isla & James is believed to be a "ghost" store and falsely claimed to be based in Bondi.

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However, the store has no contact number, trading address in NSW or any other evidence to suggest that the store is associated with a vendor at Bondi Beach.

An image of the store's founders also appears to be AI-generated.

NSW Fair Trading has claimed that the constant mention of the terror attack is being used to support the sale of discounted fashion items and accessories.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann is now warning shoppers about dealing with the business, claiming they may be committing multiple violations of the Australian Consumer Law, including misleading or deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct.

Mann has also raised concerns about whether orders placed on the site will even be fulfilled due to its potentially deceptive nature.

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Bondi Beach shootings

Over the past few days, the site underwent several changes before being taken down after being approached by NSW Fair Trading.

The commissioner is now urging customers to remain vigilant, noting the site could reappear under the guise of a new URL.

The site is being described as a "ghost store", which is an online business that claims to be based in Australia and is closing down, however, they are overseas drop-shippers usually selling low-quality items.

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