International Lumber Email Scam Reported
The WPA has been made aware that at least one and reportedly several other companies have fallen prey to seemingly fraudulent email offers of internationally sourced lumber , making deposits on material that never arrived . The emails may come with photos of cut stock or of other lumber products . While the story is still being developed , below are some basic safeguards to consider .
Unknown source : It is not uncommon for mills and brokers to send out product offering lists , but usually they are from reputable companies known in the marketplace . If you are not familiar with the company behind the email campaign , this could be a red flag .
Ongoing email campaign breeds familiarity : One way that the lumber trader in question gains “ credibility ” is by sending frequent emails , sometimes for multiple years , so that they seem legitimate . Ongoing email campaigns should not be misconstrued as validation of a company ’ s reputation .
Verify company credibility : Confirm company by identifying head office location , website , and association memberships . Consider phoning the associations and the company head office . Ask to speak to other customers to hear about their experience .
Other red flags may include : Prices that are too good to be true ; urgency to make an immediate deal ; public rather than corporate email address .
We will continue to develop this story .
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