NSW Fair Trading has issued a warning to shoppers regarding an online retailer that’s allegedly profiting from the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Isla & James, a shop that claims to be based in Bondi Beach, has been accused of using the tragic Bondi Beach shooting — in which 15 people were killed and dozens more were injured — to promote a “Closure Sale”.
According to a preliminary investigation conducted by NSW Fair Trading, Isla & James claimed that one of its co-founders, James, “was shot” in the terror attack.
It also found that the site had mentioned the shooting multiple times, which Fair Trading says was aimed to “support the sale of discounted fashion items and accessories”. However, there was no contact number, no trading address in NSW, nor any evidence that the store is linked to a shop in Bondi Beach.
The website also features an image of the alleged co-founders that appears to be AI-generated.
As a result of its investigation, NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann says Isla & James could be “engaging in or has engaged in a range of contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law” — including misleading or deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct.
Mann also labelled Isla & James a “ghost store” that appeared to be “operating from overseas”.
“We think they’re using the Bondi Beach terror attack to really try and exploit the grief of our community to try and profiteer,” Mann said, per ABC News.
After the consumer watchdog approached the online retailer and third parties, the Isla & James website has been taken down. NSW Fair Trading noted that it appeared the website had attempted to make several changes before the plug was pulled.
While the site is down, NSW Fair Trading has reminded consumers to remain vigilant as it may return under another URL.
Independent Federal MP Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi, slammed scammers who are “exploiting the tragedy” for their own gain.
“This is disgusting behaviour. There are many genuine victims and heroes of Bondi, including the local businesses who rallied to protect people on the day and support our community in the aftermath. Seeing others exploit the tragedy like this is appalling,” she said, per the Australian Financial Review.
Chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Michele Goldman, told the publication it was “abhorrent” for anyone to “exploit the grief of Australians coming to terms with the worst terror attack in our history”.
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