Woolworths has issued a warning over an image circulating online that claims the supermarket has an unbelievable deal on.
The photograph appears to show an employee at the Australian retailer posing beside a huge box in what seems to be a promotional image highlighting the fact Woolies is selling a Luxury Tool Cabinet for $47.99.
But after the offer went viral, Woolworths spoke out, warning shoppers the image was in fact a scam.
“We’d like to advise that this is a scam and isn’t run by us,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.
“Please know that you can report scams and scammers at Scamwatch.”
Tool boxes of the caliber pictured in the image retail for $1000 at a minimum.
This had prompted one eagle-eyed customer to take to X, formerly known as Twitter, to question whether the image was actually shared by Woolworths.
“Is this true or someone’s scam,” the social media user asked.
Another Facebook user asked: “This is a great deal at Woolworths. Wondering if it’s in all stores or if it’s even real.”
As one simply declared: “Don’t buy this. You’ll lose your money.”
Many were quick to jump in and point out several aspects of the image that raised alarm bells.
For starters, the video being sponsored on TikTok by an account called Temporary Sale AU, which is not connected to Woolworths.
The employee was also not in the traditional black polo with green trim worn by staff, instead wearing a blue tunic, jeans and a pink top.
The bakery sign behind the worker was also in a different font to the iconic Australian retailer’s.
In 2023, more than 301,000 scams were reported to the watchdog, with $476,778,116 lost. February saw a low amount of scams reported but the most amount of money lost, while January and May saw the most amount of scams reported.
Most scams were investment-based, followed by dating and romance scams and false billing.
Social media sites are becoming a hotbed for scammers, with 17,500 reports in 2023 but $93.45 million lost.
Common ways to sport a scam is if you feel pressured to act quickly or if it is an amazing opportunity to make or save money.