Last week I received an email from Tracey Forward (her story is now also showing up on Computerworld). Here are her words:

I am writing to warn your readers about the latest internet scam.  There is a website called buymore.co.nz  that sells well known branded mobile phones for discount/sale prices.   

I ordered an Apple 8G 8GB IPhone for the reduced price of $599.40.  When it arrived a few days later I was surprised to see the shipping note in Chinese when it was a NZ website although this thought was quickly replaced with the excitement of my new phone.  However there was a significant part missing which made it impossible to insert a SIM card.  I sent the website dozens of emails without any response.  There is no physical address or phone numbers available on the website.

Because of the delay, I took the phone to an Authorised Apple repairer only to be told that the phone was a fake.  Because of this, they nor any other repairer would be legally allowed to attempt repair.

I am trying to channel my anger (towards myself and the situation) into preventing this from happening to anyone else.  I have informed the Police, Commerce Commission, Dept of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Institute, Chinese Embassy, Target and Fair Go.
 
I would be very grateful if you could publish this letter in order to prevent anyone else being stung for this enormous amount of money and disappointment.

 
Regards
 
Tracey Forward