CALGARY — WestNet News is issuing a consumer warning about fraudulent advertisements appearing on Facebook and Instagram that offer a “HandJet” portable printer at prices that seem too good to be true — because they are. Multiple consumers have reported that after clicking on these ads and entering their credit card information, they either received nothing at all or received a cheap, non-functional device that bears no resemblance to the product advertised.
How the Scam Works
The scam advertisements typically feature professional-looking videos showing a sleek, handheld printer that can allegedly print on any surface — wood, metal, fabric, plastic, and more. The ads offer the device at a heavily discounted price, usually between $49 and $99, with urgent language like “limited time offer” and “90% off today only” designed to pressure consumers into impulse purchases.
Clicking the ad redirects users to a professional-looking but fraudulent website that mimics legitimate e-commerce stores. The checkout process collects credit card information, personal details, and shipping addresses. In most cases, consumers report that no product ever arrives. In other cases, a cheap plastic device worth a few dollars is shipped from overseas, with no printing capability whatsoever.
Real HandJet vs. Scam
A legitimate portable industrial printer called the EBS HandJet does exist — but it is a professional-grade industrial tool manufactured by a German company and retails for approximately $5,000 to $8,000. The scam advertisements steal images and video from the legitimate product to lure consumers with impossibly low prices.
“If you see a professional printing device advertised for $49 on Facebook, that should be an immediate red flag,” said consumer protection advocate Maria Santos. “Legitimate industrial equipment doesn’t get sold through social media ads at 99 percent discounts.”
Protecting Yourself
WestNet News advises consumers to take the following precautions: Be suspicious of any product advertised at extreme discounts on social media. Research the selling website before entering payment information. Look for reviews from established sources, not testimonials on the seller’s own site. Use credit cards rather than debit cards for online purchases, as credit cards offer stronger fraud protection. Report suspicious ads to the platform (Facebook, Instagram) and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Consumers who have already fallen victim to this scam should contact their credit card company immediately to dispute the charge and request a new card number to prevent further unauthorized charges.
Copyright 2019 WestNet Action News
