How to Know It’s Us and Not a Container Scam?
Scammers are now pretending to be real businesses. So the question is, how to know it’s us and not a container scam?
There are scammers out there now pretending to be us and even going as far as to give them our company address. They will offer online payment only, take your money, and then you will be left without a container. They might even go as far as to send a fake invoice or a fake website. As a matter of fact, we recently had someone reach out showing us a screenshot of a scammer on Facebook who gave them our address and said they could come to pick out their own container. We also had someone overseas copy our website and replace our logo with theirs. It was done very poorly, but they are out there.
We have compiled a list to help others determine how to know it’s us and not a container scam.
- Facebook Page. Our employees do not create Facebook pages under their names and sell containers. We do not have multiple sales associates throughout the U.S. working remotely. That is, we have one official business page and one physical office in Illinois. We also do not sell containers through the marketplace.
- Look for our Logo. We put our logo on everything! Our website, Invoices, and email signatures. Additionally, we only use this one logo (shown on the header and footer of each webpage), any other logo is not us!
- We Only Have One Location. Our office, shop, and container yard are located at one address in Smithshire, IL. In other words, we are not associated with any other container company or person. We have a local landline number, (309) 325-7201. If you call after hours you will hear a recorded message. If it is a refrigerated container emergency you will be able to press #2 and be put through to our reefer technician.
- We Have One Website. www.usa-containers.com – We will not advertise any other domains.
- Verify Email. All our email communication will be sent through our company’s email. It will come from the domain @usa-containers.com and have our logo in the signature.
- We will not communicate via 3rd Party Apps. We do not message or sell through WhatsApp or sell through Facebook or any other social media.
- We do not use 3rd Party Apps for Payment. This goes along with #5. We send our invoices through Quickbooks, where you can pay securely. We will not ask for payment through any app like Paypal, CashApp, and Venmo, just to name a few. Another key point, we will not ask for payment upfront or rush you for payment.
- Choose Your Container. You can visit our business in person and pick out your container. If you cannot make it out, we can email you pictures of the actual container you will receive. To clarify, you can match the container number on your invoice or photo to the container you physically receive.
- We Have our own Delivery Trucks. Our staff will be the only ones to contact you for delivery. Our staff and drivers coordinate all deliveries and even more, will tell you the exact day and time they will be delivering your container based on your availability.
- Google Maps. Verify the address to ensure it’s an actual container business and not a shopping mall. Also, call the phone number listed on their Google Business Profile to verify.
- Request a W-9 from the company. This IRS tax form will provide you with their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Too Good to be True
You know the saying, if it sounds too good to be true, then it might just be that. Scammers will price the container considerably low to get your attention. We do not store any other company’s container for them. Never pay for a container up front, especially through a third-party app. It will most likely be a high-pressure sale as well, better hurry many people are wanting to buy this container. Double-check the company’s contact information. Remember, anyone can get a photo of a shipping container off the internet, especially containers in excellent condition! In conclusion, if something doesn’t feel right, go with your gut and investigate!
Unfortunately, this is a global scam that is continuing to increase. Hopefully, with more awareness and knowledge, we can work together to eliminate these scammers from the industry.
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