Gas and coal are becoming more expensive. Some consumers think why not order wood. But especially with very cheap prices on the Internet, the police advise caution. The number of scams has increased significantly.
Neubrandenburg (dpa/mv) - The sharp rise in demand for wood means that the number of cases of fraud involving firewood and wooden tools is rising sharply. As a police spokeswoman said on Friday, more than 30 cases have been reported in eastern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania this year in which citizens have ordered firewood, wood pellets or wooden tools and transferred money, but never received the goods. The total damage is estimated at more than 16,000 euros. The background to the demand should be the high energy prices. There was one such case of fraud in 2021.
In most cases, citizens ordered through online sales platforms, including social networks. The police spokeswoman recommended that anyone who wants to buy wood should be suspicious of particularly cheap offers. It is best not to transfer money beforehand, but only pay upon delivery. It can help to check the name of the seller or the company on the Internet.
