Sounds too good to be true? Of course it does, and it is!
Over the past few months I’ve been looking around for second-hand containers to start my pilot project. I’m starting to lose count of all the times I’ve come across these scams. So, in the interests of perhaps saving someone from losing their money, I thought I’d mention the scams I’ve come across, as well as the adverts, websites, names and telephone numbers of people I’ve come across.
Before I list them, the opening line should be the golden rule in purchasing a container.
If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.
If you live in Durban, and the “company” says it will deliver a rust and dent free 40′ High Cube container for R20000, think again! I once had someone tell me that delivery from Durban or Johannesburg to Durban is the same price…enough said.
One last thing before I list some names, if your company is in this list and you are a valid company, please email me and I will correct the mistake. I will change your details to a company that is confirmed reliable.
So here goes:
11 July 2017 – http://www.maccontainers.co.za
Firstly, this site says it’s a family owned business for “15 years.” However, the domain name was only registered 06 April 2017. Unlikely that a business going for 15 years only got a website this year.
The person that registered this domain is Sean Lugald. Search for this name on Google, and most of the results on the first page link to scam-information sites. I don’t know who this Sean is, but all the sites linked to him(or her?) look dodgy.
Mac Containers also use a gmail address to correspond, so that’s normally a sure sign something is up. On the email I got from these guys, they list “MACJALO (PTY) LTD” as the registered company. But this company seems to be a stationery company in Johannesburg, not a container company in George. The phone number listed on the email is +27(0)21 813-9175. Not sure if that is a valid number?
Lastly, these guys also put a VAT number and company registration number in the email. But if you do a search for these on SARS or CIPC websites, they don’t tie up with a container business, if they exist at all.
31 October 2017 – http://www.c-d-s.co.za
This domain name was only registered 23 August 2017. Unlikely to be a reputable company. The website looks like other scam sites I’ve seen – very poor quality. The address given in Jhb does not show a business address on google Maps. Remember, not every advert on Google is from a valid company.
31 October 2017 – http://www.emmauscontainers.co.za
This website is also sketchy as to a physical address. Google Maps shows a squaarea for this “company.” Also, it’s domain was registered within a month of the next website below. Coincidence? Me thinks not.
31 October 2017 – http://www.accontainers.co.za
This website is also sketchy as to a physical address. Google Maps shows a residential area for this “company.”
31 October 2017 – http://www.mrcontainers.co.za
This website was only registered on 21 October 2017!
01 March 2019 – http://aecontptyltd.com
I got an email from these guys the other day. This website was registered on 15 July 2018. The company claims to be in business for over 5 years. Also, the address for the company is “registered” in USA, but the website says they work in Southern Africa? “Free Delivery” is another give away this is a scam.
All in all, just do some research before paying the “full amount before delivery.”
I almost got scammed. Company called Jay Importers. I decided to check hello peter and there name was there. So i told them i thought it was a scam. I think they are also running shippleys containers and Amarachi containers
Hi Juz, I am so sorry to hear of your and so many others misfortune at these scammers. I run a reputable company who supplies shipping containers and can offer an addition to your warning. If the company cannot provide a recent tax clearance certificate from SARS, with an accompanying pin, then don’t deal with them. If they cannot provide you with a SANAS approved BBBEE certificate, then don’t deal with them. Get three quotations from Container Companies, the law of averages on their pricing will realistically determine what you will pay for a Shipping Container. Some company websites are also cloned, so when asking for a quote, before you pay any money, ask for their BBBEE Certificate and SARS tax clearance certificate first.
My company, Container Site Solutions is a registered CIPC company with relevant legal documentation. You have a choice on who to deal with, and yes, if it seems too good to be true, it sometimes is!!
Thanks Debbie for your comments. For the benefit of everyone else, Container Site Solutions website is here: http://www.containersitesolutions.co.za.
Hi.
Whats the price of your containers?
Regards,
Shezaad
Hi Shezaad, I’m not sure if I understand your request for a price. I don’t sell empty containers. All I am doing is converting a container to a living space for a granny flat or holiday home. I am busy with my pilot project. Once this is complete I will offer it for sale, and depending on the response I get I may start it up as a business.
If you would like an estimate on the price, I have found others offering converted containers from R290 000 up to R600 000. I’m hoping to come in at under R250 000.
Hope this information helps you, and sorry for the late reply.
Regards
Juz