Shoppers warned over $3 Kmart Philips air fryer scam

Shoppers have been warned to be on their guard after a fake Kmart sale has begun popping up over social media.

Aussie shoppers are being told to keep an eye out for a scam involving a cult kitchen item “promotion” touting a price that’s too good to be true.

Facebook posts of a Philips 4.1L air fryer for just $3 from Kmart have been popping up recently over the social media platform.

The appliance typically retails for $199.

“Once a year in August, Phillips has a promotion at philips airfryer. Today you have a unique chance to own this kitchen appliance for the ridiculous price $3,” one of the fake posts reads. “Items are limited.”

Another post, using the exact same image, claims that due to warehouse closures in Russia, the company is having a “mega sale”.

Several Facebook posts have circulated using the same image advertising an air fryer for $3. Picture: Facebook

Many were quick to question the ad.

One person who shared it to a popular Kmart Facebook page said, while she knew many would realise it was a scam, there were vulnerable groups who wouldn’t.

Another revealed their elderly mum had fallen for it.

It follows a similar scam in June, which used a Nintendo Switch as the bait.

The fake post included a photograph of the gaming device, alongside a doctored Kmart price tag declaring it had been reduced from $379.86 to $2.95.

“Kmart broke its contract with Nintendo Switch game console to every Australian for $2.95,” the false post said.

It comes after a similar Kmart scam in June. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dean Martin

At the time, one shopper shared the post to popular Facebook group Markdown Addicts Australia, writing that her friend had fallen for the fake deal and lost $700.

“BEWARE. Another scam page going around, also there is a Dyson one,” the woman wrote.

“Do not fall for it. Friend did and has lost around $700. They just keep taking from your bank.

“Can’t stop it unless you email them and threaten with lawyers.”

Other customers wrote in the comments that they’d also been fooled, with one writing, “I just wanted to buy my boys one.”

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch revealed online shopping scams are on the rise and see scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either with a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine site.

The biggest red flag is the very low price and the method of payment request, Scamwatch reported.

If you’ve been scammed, you’re advised to contact your bank as they may be able to do a charge back.