Renowned trainer Mitch Beer has issued a vital cautionary message about a sophisticated scam that is specifically targeting trainers in Australia. The Albury-based horseman recently encountered a deceptive scheme when he received a call from an individual who claimed to be a businessman based in Hong Kong. The caller expressed interest in sending horses to Australia, initiating a conversation with Beer that seemed well-informed and legitimate.
According to Beer, the person on the other end of the line had knowledge about his recent racing accomplishments, including details about Mnementh and its performance over the weekend. The caller posed questions on behalf of his boss, inquiring if Beer had the capacity to accommodate an additional four or five horses. Despite considering himself cautious and discerning, Beer initially believed the call to be genuine.
Shortly after, Beer received a WhatsApp message from a woman, who claimed to represent the prominent business tycoon Zhong Shanshan, owner of a renowned natural spring water company. The message indicated that Shanshan would soon be in touch with Beer, further solidifying the apparent authenticity of the situation. The following day, Beer received a phone call from an individual purporting to be Shanshan. The conversation revolved around international horses, their performance, and various ratings. Beer’s trust in the legitimacy of the situation remained unwavering.
However, the situation took a suspicious turn the next day when Beer’s skepticism began to grow. Shanshan mentioned that Beer’s website, which utilised Prism, was not adequately secure, especially considering the potential handling of confidential owner information. Shanshan suggested that Beer needed to invest in a more secure website system. Subsequently, Beer received a call from a website builder who insisted on the urgency of the situation, citing the need for immediate action and substantial financial investment.
Fortunately, Beer happened to contact Racing NSW investigators, who were already aware of the scam. Recognising the severity of the situation, Beer shared his experience on Twitter to warn others, as he anticipated that more individuals could fall victim to the scam within the next 24 hours. Following his tweet, several people reached out to Beer, sharing similar encounters they had experienced.
Beer emphasises the importance of exercising caution in such situations, as the scammers involved possess exceptional skills in deception. He advises individuals to remain vigilant and aware, given the sophisticated nature of these scams.
