Important Notice: Beware of Keto Gummies Scams

UPDATED: 10th November 2023

Dear Valued Customers,

It has come to our attention that some customers are falling victim to misleading advertisements, particularly on social media platforms like Facebook. We have observed instances where customers, enticed by sponsored ads (falsely using AI-generated images of celebrities), click directly on them without verifying the domain name or seller information.

Example of Hamish being used in misleading ads.

The most recent scam was misleading price advertising. Subsequently, after an initial payment of "$69," customers are unexpectedly billed " $339" without their consent. Customers are then googling 'Keto Gummies' and finding our website. These scam advertisers may appear under names such as 'Active Keto AU,' 'Visit-my-keto.au,' 'my-keto.au,' 'try-keto.au,' or approximately 50 other fraudulent websites worldwide. Typically hosted in locations like Pakistan, the USA, Brazil, or other untraceable areas, these scams generally target Australians. 

To ensure the ad you are clicking on is a real Australian business, you should consider clicking the three dots you see beside each ad (see image below).

This allows you to see exactly where the advertiser is located. Notice how these companies are targeting 'Adelaide' or 'Australia,' but their advertising locations are not even here.

To further complicate matters, these scammers are using our business details on their bank transactions to give an appearance of legitimacy. Our legitimate business, www.keto.com.au, is based in Australia at 433 Morphett Street, Adelaide SA 5000. We encourage you to remain vigilant and cross-verify any suspicious transactions.

Below is an example of a screenshot of a customer's bank feed who was a victim of this scam. Somehow they have been able to use our identity under Merchant Details.

To counteract these scams, we are actively reporting them to the authorities and have notified entities such as Google, Meta (Facebook) and merchant bank feed providers like www.lookwhoscharging.com.au (also known as www.experian.com.au) who are responsible for allowing these companies to use any merchant information without proper verification checks such as proof of address, passport identify checks or business registration checks. Despite our efforts, fraudulent companies have managed to pass security checks using our business identity. If you inspect the transaction closely, you will notice it should appear as 'My-Keto-Au.' 

At our end, we have stringent systems in place to ensure the authenticity of our products, and we utilise secure payment methods, including PayPal, which offers buyer protection and guarantees refunds when items are not delivered.

We have received several emails and calls as to 'where is my order'. Some are even receiving the completely wrong products such as 'Capsules'.

Below is an example of what we receive from customers who fall victim to these scams. We wish we could help, but the only action we have been able to take is escalating these scams to 'Scam Watch', ACCC or the Police.

Please be aware that if you fall victim to such scams, it is not affiliated with us. We have diligently fulfilled every order we've received. While we sympathise with those affected, we regret to inform you that we cannot assist with refunds related to these scams. The best thing we can recommend customers to do is to contact your bank and notify them of the unauthorised payment. We are happy to work with your bank provider to help you claim your funds back as well as we are also victims of this crime. 

Ways to Protect Yourself from Scam Sites:

Verify Sponsored Ads Location:
Always check the location of sponsored ads, both on Facebook and Google. Scammers often use misleading advertisements to lure unsuspecting customers.

Direct Website Visits:
Visit websites directly and ensure they are legitimate businesses. Avoid clicking on ads impulsively; instead, navigate to the site independently. Always check the domain name and ensure they are a safe website. 

Secure Payment Options:
Opt for payment options such as PayPal that offer buyer protection. Familiarize yourself with the process of lodging complaints and securing refunds through PayPal's buyer protection.

Contactable Businesses:
Prioritise buying from websites that provide a landline or allow direct communication with real people and real locations. Legitimate businesses are more likely to have a reliable customer support system.

Caution with Subscriptions:
Exercise caution when dealing with subscription-based websites, and preferably choose those that offer payment through PayPal. This adds an extra layer of security and recourse.

Verify Business Registration:
Verify the authenticity of a website by checking its ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN (Australian Company Number). This ensures that the business is registered and operates legitimately in Australia.

Critical Approach to Reviews:
Be skeptical of online reviews, as they can be manipulated by scammers. Consider reviews but don't solely rely on them when assessing the credibility of a website.

Cautious of AI-Generated Content:
Recognise that AI technology can generate false images featuring products and celebrities. Don't entirely trust media content; instead, seek advice from local professionals, such as consulting your doctor for accurate guidance.

By incorporating these practices into your online shopping habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams and protect your personal and financial information.

We strongly recommend all customers only buy using secure payment services like PayPal to protect their finances.

Additionally, we encourage you to report any suspicious activity to the police and relevant authorities. Feel free to include us in your reports at support@keto.com.au, and we will take any necessary actions to help you.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to providing quality products. Explore our genuine Australian website for an extensive range of keto-friendly products. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements as we continue to expand.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Sincerely,

Alex

Keto.com.au