Byron Bay Brand Misused to Target Shoppers
Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce Issues Warning Over Fraudulent Online Retailer
The Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce is alerting consumers to a fraudulent online store, ByronBay-Boutique.com, which falsely claims a connection to Byron Bay. The website has been misleading customers, leaving them out of pocket and without their purchased goods.
The Chamber has received multiple complaints regarding ByronBay-Boutique.com, which is selling counterfeit products and failing to deliver orders. Consumers have reported financial losses and poor-quality items, with many struggling to get refunds. Trustpilot and other consumer watchdog sites have flagged the site as a likely scam.
Further investigation has revealed that when customers ask for return instructions, they are directed to an address in China, confirming that the business has no presence in Byron Bay or even within Australia. This deception misleads shoppers into thinking they’re supporting a local business with ties to the region.
Matt Williamson, President of the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, says:
“The Byron Bay name is globally recognised for its authenticity and quality. When businesses fraudulently use ‘Byron Bay’ without any real connection, they damage our local economy, mislead consumers and undermine the credibility of genuine Byron Bay businesses.”
Protecting the Byron Bay Brand
The Chamber is committed to safeguarding the Byron Bay brand, ensuring businesses using the name are genuinely connected to the area. Fraudulent use of the name misleads consumers and diverts support away from legitimate local businesses that contribute to the region’s economy, employment and cultural identity.
Actions Taken by the Chamber
In response to rising complaints, the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce has taken the following actions to protect consumers and local businesses:
Investigated ByronBay-Boutique.com and compiled a report on its deceptive practices.
Lodged formal complaints with Fair Trading NSW, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ASIC and international consumer protection agencies.
Reported the fraudulent website to its domain registrar, e-commerce provider (Shopify) and email service provider (Google), requesting its removal.
Begun developing a formal accreditation system to help consumers identify and support authentic Byron Bay businesses.
The Chamber encourages shoppers to exercise caution when shopping online, especially when businesses claim to be connected to Byron Bay. Consumers who believe they’ve been scammed by ByronBay-Boutique.com should report their experience to the relevant authorities and reach out to the Chamber for further guidance.
For more information, or to view a copy of the Chamber’s report, please contact the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce at info@byronbaychamber.com.
About the Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce
The Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce works to advance the interests of local businesses by fostering collaboration and advocating on issues affecting economic growth. Their aim is to support prosperity for our members and enhance the wellbeing of our community.