NSW Fair Trading has alerted the public of misleading and deceptive conduct utilised by “ghost store”, Isla & James who pretended to be an online fashion retailer to capitalise on the Bondi massacre.
NSW Fair Trading commissioner Natasha Mann said the agency believed it was a “ghost store operating from overseas”.
“We think they’re using the Bondi Beach terror attack to really try and exploit the grief of our community to try and profiteer,” she said.
In the wake of the sickening tragedies that unfolded on Bondi Beach, Isla & James launched an online clearance sale, stating it was forced to shut its doors in the aftermath of the terrorist attack despite being created on December 23, nine days after the horrific event.
A preliminary investigation conducted by NSW Fair Trading has determined that Isla & James advertised the ‘Closure Sale’ as a result of cofounders, James being shot in the terrorist attack.
There were further references to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on the website, which aimed to support the sale of discounted fashion items and accessories. However, there was no contact number for the store and no trading address in NSW nor any other evidence that the store was associated with a trader at Bondi Beach.
As a result, the NSW fair trading commissioner has warned the public about dealing with Isla & James, noting it may be engaging in or has engaged in a range of contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law including misleading or deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct in connection with the sale and supply of goods. Given this, the Commissioner also has serious concerns about whether goods ordered via the website will be supplied.
Since NSW fair trading approached the trader the website has been taken down. But, NSW fair trading have told consumers to be vigilant as Isla & James may seek to re-establish itself under another URL.
