Triangular fraud is becoming increasingly common in Australia, especially during the peak shopping months of November and December. At Mega Office Supplies, we have seen a surge in fraudulent orders placed using stolen credit cards — often linked to “too-good-to-be-true” listings on eBay.

In this article, we explain what triangular fraud is, how it affects our business and customers, why Mega does not advertise or sell on eBay, and the steps we take to protect every order. If you have ever wondered why we sometimes call to verify a purchase, this guide explains everything clearly and transparently.

Important: Mega Office Supplies Does Not Sell on eBay

Mega Office Supplies does not advertise, sell, or list any products on eBay. Any listing that appears to represent Mega on eBay is not us and should be treated with caution. We only sell through our own websites and approved channels, not via marketplace listings claiming to be Mega.

What Is Triangular Fraud?

Triangular fraud is a scheme involving three parties:

• An unsuspecting customer
• A fraudster posing as a legitimate seller
• A real retailer — in this case, Mega Office Supplies

It often starts with a scammer listing a product on eBay at a price that seems unusually cheap. To use a real example we see frequently: toilet paper or everyday consumables listed well below normal market value.

A genuine customer buys the bargain item on eBay, believing they have found a great deal. The fraudster then uses a stolen credit card to place the exact same order on our website and has it shipped directly to that customer.

For the customer, the delivery appears normal. But weeks later, when the true cardholder spots an unauthorised charge and files a chargeback, the fraud becomes clear.

Who Bears the Cost When This Happens?

Unfortunately, the answer is simple: the retailer.

When a triangular fraud order goes through, the outcome is predictable — and costly:

• The bank refunds the cardholder.
• The bank charges the retailer (us) a chargeback fee.
• The fraudster keeps the money from the eBay sale.
• The business supplying the goods carries the entire loss, including:
  • Lost stock already delivered
  • Chargeback penalties
  • No payment at all for the original order

This type of fraud happens far too often during peak shopping periods, but we have developed strong measures to reduce its impact.

How Mega Office Supplies Protects You and Your Orders

Instead of simply absorbing these losses, we take proactive steps to protect our customers, cardholders, and our business:

1. We personally call customers when an order looks unusual.

If something does not match our normal patterns, we pick up the phone. We ask where the product was purchased — directly from Mega or through an eBay listing.

2. We refund suspicious orders immediately.

This stops fraudulent transactions before they cause further harm.

3. We guide customers on reporting fraudulent eBay sellers.

Where appropriate, we encourage customers to report suspicious listings or sellers so that marketplaces can remove them.

4. We strengthen customer relationships.

What started as an operational necessity has actually become a strength for us: 98% of customers value these verification calls and appreciate our personal approach.

Human-to-human contact still matters — and our customers consistently tell us that this level of care sets Mega apart.

How You Can Protect Yourself When Shopping Online

Before purchasing from any unknown seller, especially if the price seems unusually cheap, take a moment to work through a simple checklist.

Check Contact Details and Legitimacy

• Does the seller list a valid phone number, and does someone answer it?
• Do they have a proper website, not just a single marketplace listing?
• Are they reachable via email or live chat?
• Is there a physical address displayed?
• Does the business look consistent and credible across all touchpoints?

Look for Social Proof

A legitimate business leaves genuine activity online. Ask yourself:

• Do they post regularly on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn (weekly or monthly)?
• Are their posts authentic, recent, and consistent with the products or services they claim to sell?
• Do customer comments and reviews look real, not copy-and-paste?
• Does their branding look consistent across platforms?

Be Aware of Pricing

If the price looks far too good to be true, it usually is. Fraudsters rely on urgency and the temptation of a bargain. A short pause and a quick check can prevent you from becoming part of a fraud triangle without even realising it.

Frequently Asked Questions – Triangular Fraud & Online Safety

Does Mega Office Supplies sell on eBay?

No. Mega Office Supplies does not advertise, list, or sell products on eBay. Any listing using our name or products on eBay is not affiliated with us.

Why did Mega call me to verify my order?

Because something in the order looked unusual. We verify orders to protect cardholders, genuine customers, and our business from fraud. 98% of customers appreciate these calls, and it helps prevent misuse of stolen cards.

What is triangular fraud in simple terms?

Triangular fraud involves three parties: a genuine customer, a fraudster posing as a seller, and a real retailer supplying the goods. The fraudster takes money from the buyer, uses a stolen card to purchase the same item from a legitimate site, and the retailer is left to absorb the loss.

Why is triangular fraud more common in November and December?

Fraud increases heavily during Black Friday, Christmas, and the holiday shopping season. High order volumes create ideal conditions for scammers to hide fraudulent transactions amongst genuine ones.

What happens when a fraudulent order is placed using Mega’s website?

Mega receives a chargeback fee, no payment for the original transaction, and we lose the stock already shipped. We then refund the victimised buyer and, where possible, guide them on reporting the fraudulent eBay seller.

How can I protect myself from fake sellers?

Check for a valid phone number, an active website, social media activity, a physical address, realistic pricing, and genuine reviews. If any of these are missing or look suspicious, proceed with caution.

Can I report a suspicious eBay seller?

Yes. Log in to eBay, find the seller, and use the “Report this seller” option. This helps shut down fraudulent accounts quickly and protects other buyers.

Final Reminder

Mega Office Supplies does not sell on eBay. Any listing that appears to use our name or our products there should be treated with caution.

If you ever receive a call or email from our team verifying your order, please know it is part of our commitment to keeping every customer safe and every transaction legitimate.

Thank you for supporting genuine Australian businesses and helping keep the online shopping environment safer for everyone.