The homepage of The Hawke Sisters, which purports to be an Arrowtown-based business. IMAGE: SUPPLIED Online shoppers are being duped by a fake Arrowtown business, which is believed to be the brainchild of Netherlands-based scammers. Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association manager Nicky Busst said she returned from a holiday on June 23 to complaints about online clothing store The Hawke Sisters, which claimed to be based in the village. The website depicts what appears to be an AI-generated image of what could pass as a Buckingham St business, and states it was a ‘‘dream’’ to open the store in Arrowtown. But the ‘‘sisters’’ now claim they’re at a ‘‘critical point’’ and have slashed prices in their ‘‘Summer Clearance Sale’’, which contains 734 products. But much like their store, none of the products appear to exist. Unwitting online shoppers have subsequently been left out of pocket, and are resorting to cold-calling other Arrowtown businesses trying to track down their orders. Ms Busst said she was aware of four Arrowtown businesses that had fielded inquiries from confused and disgruntled customers — one of whom had spent more than $1000 on items. She had contacted Netsafe and advised all local businesses to let any other victims know they had likely been scammed, so they could report the matter to police and their bank. ‘‘It’s just so sad,’’ she said. ‘‘Our town has earned a strong reputation for its authentic, locally owned businesses, and it’s concerning to see Arrowtown’s name being used in a way that could mislead consumers.’’
