NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Consumer Protection Commission is issuing a warning to the public regarding a significant rise in fraudulent activities related to the importation of Japanese vehicles. Recently, Bahamian consumers have been targeted by scammers posing as legitimate representatives of Japanese vehicle importers.
“These fraudsters aim to exploit the lack of awareness among the Bahamian public, resulting in substantial financial losses and inevitable ownership disputes,” stated the CPC in an advisory issued on Tuesday.
The Commission described the typical scenario: Consumers purchase a vehicle or vehicles from a local dealer with an agreed fifty percent (50 percent) deposit, expecting to pay the remaining fifty percent (50 percent) upon the vehicle’s arrival in The Bahamas. Once the deposit is paid, the vehicles are shipped, and the buyer receives shipping confirmation along with a copy of the bill of lading. During transit, the vehicles may be resold to other buyers in The Bahamas.
Upon arrival in The Bahamas, multiple parties claiming ownership of the same vehicles present themselves to the shipping companies, leading to disputes and significant financial losses.
“The Commission strongly advises the public to be vigilant against such practices and to understand their consumer rights in such cases. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to this or any other fraudulent scheme, we urge you to contact the Commission immediately for assistance in navigating these circumstances,” the Commission stated.
Furthermore, the Commission urges the public to:
- Always use reputable providers of goods and services.
- Verify the legitimacy of companies by contacting the Commission for support if uncertain.
- Use secure payment methods and consider third-party escrow services rather than remitting payments directly to individuals.
- Ensure payments are made to the company’s designated bank account and retain all receipts, documents, transactions, and communications for at least six (6) months before disposal.
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