Southern Downs deputy principal’s resilience after rip-off rort targets local business

A new homeowner’s already stressful move became an absolute ‘nightmare’ after being caught up with an impostor business rort. However, here’s how it turned around thanks to support from the community.

An example of a fake business logo. A shoddily photoshopped logo with an AI generated image- people who have been ripped off say to be aware (Photo: Supplied)

A woman’s move into a new home has been described as a “nightmare” after being caught up in an impostor scam that has targeted a well-known Southern Downs business.

Warwick deputy principal Rachael Eastwell and her family were ready to move into their new home in the Rose City this week, which could have been disrupted due to a horror business scam.

Mrs Eastwell was moving house on Tuesday, a stressful affair at the best of times, to a newly bought home in Warwick.

The removalist was organised with a local business, or so she thought, however when they failed to turn up at the allotted 8am time, she began to worry.

Local deputy principal Rachael Eastwell has praised the kindness of the community after a 'nightmare' scam disrupted her big move. (Photo: Supplied)

Thinking she had booked with Cahills Furniture Removal, she expected them to come.

However, the well-known and popular local business had been targeted by an impostor, creating lookalike websites and phone numbers.

To be clear, Cahills Furniture Removal is not scamming anyone, however, the impostor sites and phone numbers are leaving residents out of pocket.

“We have known and trusted Cahills, you can’t miss their billboard when you’re coming into town,” Mrs Eastwell said.

Mrs Eastwell had paid already paid a deposit to who she thought was the removalists, which was valued at hundreds of dollars.

“I was charged a $190 deposit which is the hourly rate is, and it seemed legit,” she said.

“After 15 minutes of no one arriving, we were stressed and started making calls. Then I jumped on Messenger and said I had a job booked for eight o’clock and no one arrived.

“(The real business owner) rang me and said he didn’t have a job booked under my name, and realised and explained it (the impostor) to me.

“I looked at husband’s face and I didn’t know if he would explode or cry. I had to ring a truck hire service and was luckily able to get a truck to come.”

Cahills Furniture Removal has been caught up in a scam after someone impersonating the business has caused distress. (Photo: Facebook)

The move was amplified by the last-minute rush and stress of no mover, as well as pouring rain. Mrs Eastwell said the situation was a “nightmare” and said the fact a local business had been targeted was callous.

“Essentially someone has ‘catfished’ the business, the logo branding is the same colours,” she said.

“I sent (the impostor) an email and I was returned one which asked if I was unhappy with the service, but there was no service.

“I said what they’re doing is unethical. Don’t mess with people who are hard working in a small town.”

An example of a fake business logo. A shoddily photoshopped logo with an AI generated image- people who have been ripped off say to be aware (Photo: Supplied)

Despite being booked out for the day, the real Cahills Furniture Removal organised to send an employee who was on a day off to help with the move.

“We got a few kids (from the school) to help too, and even our real estate agent came and helped, despite the torrential rain. The Warwick community is just amazing,” she said.

“I really just want this to not happen to anyone else. It’s scummy and horrible.”

To reach Cahills Furniture Removal the only trusted method is through phone or email, at either 0455 833 770 or [e-mail].

Originally published as Southern Downs deputy principal’s resilience after rip-off rort targets local business