Beware: WWW.PETFOOD247.COM.AU

oh my gosh, I cant believe people are still posting - this guy MUST be shut down - he must be stopped!! Why cant someone do anything about it?? I have tried to lodge a complaint with Fair Trading which I did, but I got a reply back saying " NSW Fair Trading has been advised when consumers have a complaint with www.PetFood247.com.au they are to be directed with no intervention to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal." I followed the link they gave me but to lodge a complaint with this place you have to pay a fee and take it to a hearing! What? Please, pay more money??

I sent an email to Current affairs also, but havent heard anything back from them.

Currently I am doing google searches on pet supplies websites and anyone who recommends this company I have been telling them exactly what I think!

My cat is dying and needed the products I ordered, they took my money within 1 day of placing the order and then disappeared - that was back in November. Scum Bags!!!! I rang the mobile number asking for Gary McDuff (someone had posted earlier) and the guy said he is tired of this - he is not Gary McDuff he gets many calls - I asked him why then doesnt he change his number!

I say to everyone - lets shut this scum bucket down!!! Whever you see a website linking this company we must inform them. Write to Consumer affairs - anything.

If I lived in NSW - I'd go with that guy who wanted to go to his house!! I'd join you - but I am actually overseas!!!! Good luck - go!!!

I have contacted my credit card supplier who instructed me to complete & forward a 'transaction dispute form'. I have just mailed it today (17/1/11) along with copies order confirmation receipt, emails i sent & phone calls made to petfood247. I even sent them links to this & other websites that show how much of a rip-off petfood247 is.

Whilst the bee was still in my bonnet, i also forwarded my complaint to NSW Fair Trading & the ACCC. I am somewhat dumbfounded as to how this bloke who has had soooo many complants made against him over quite a few years, is still allowed to conduct a business.

In the olden days, when a horse left something unpleasant in the road, local councils/government realised it was a good idea to arrange for someone to clear it up, rather than leave others to tread in it or to have an accident. Dustmen and roadsweepers were invented - the word 'dust' was used as we can't say the other word in the UK.

In the UK our government are disposing of 'quangos' (we call them) which are government agencies that perform no useful function, and the OFT in NSW appears to qualify, if they have given up doing the job that is actually defined in their title.

It's difficult to believe that the company has managed to keep trading on the back of such a poor reputation. Perhaps he's royalty ?

Current contact details as per my [worthless] order confirmation:

PO Box 3369 BANGOR NSW 2234

Phone 0450 078 884

[email protected]

This organisation is still scamming people! They've been reported to the ACCC, Fair Trading, and many customers have lodged disputes over transactions.

I'm a victim of these scumbags too. I'm so angry that anyone could take money from me (I'm unemployed and was looking to save as much as possible on dog food because I have no income at present) without delivering the goods ordered.

My bank is refunding the money shortly - they named the merchant before I even had the chance to tell them. So I'd say there have been HUNDREDS of victims.

Why are they still permitted to rip people off?

I'll be cross-posting to dolforums.com.au as well.

To all who have be taken in by petfood247:

I have been trying to get my issue with this "business" resolved since I placed the order back in November 2010.
ACCC and Fair Trade have been little help, but they are necessary steps toward getting this situation sorted out.
I am now seeking legal advice from solicitors in NSW and preparing to take legal action.
In addition to getting my money back, I would also like to keep Mr McDuff from doing this to other people. So long as we take no further action, he will continue to do this with the knowledge that most people will drop the issue rather than pursue him legally.

This is why he is still in "business". We need the courts to shut him down.

I am trying to find out if we all need to go to small claims court individually, or if we can do this as a "class-action" against him to recover our money and hopefully shut him down.

Will anyone join me?

So far, all I know is that legal action must be taken in NSW, as that is where he is located. That doesn't necessarily mean that you have to go to NSW to take action, though.

What I would like to know from you all, is if anyone else is interested in pursuing legal action against Mr. McDuff? I don't need any personal details, but maybe the amount you are owed would be helpful.

I'll post more info. once I speak with the solicitor.

I'm appalled that this company is allowed to continue with its shoddy business practices. I'm sorry to all of you who have lost money. I sent an email to NSW Fair Trading myself, months ago, directing them to this topic to see the volume of people who have lost money and how long this problem has been continuing. I didn't receive any response.

@JanH: I'm glad to hear you're trying to organize further legal recourse. I have updated the first post on this thread with a link to your message on this page.

Here's a shocker! (not)
I'd say it's proof that Mr. McDuff is not only aware that what he is doing is WRONG, but that he is following this thread to stay one step ahead.
I got emails this morning from petfood247 (time stamped 7:22am) indicating that they are "replacing my order" as it was not received. There was also some rot indicating it had been shipped on 18 Nov 2010 and delivered on 19 Nov 2010. Funny, this didn't show up on my account until now!?! (Yeah... I've got screenshots of the account details with date/time details)
BTW, given the distance from there to here, the earliest it could have been delivered would have been 22 Nov 2010. Nice try, though!
I had already filed a complaint with ASIC, another with the ACCC and an additional one to A Current Affair.
No goods yet, but I'll keep you posted, and let you all know what I hear from the solicitors and ASIC.

Open letter to Mr. McDuff:
I'm sorry, but I'm not dropping it, Mr. McDuff, even if my order does appear "miraculously".

I firmly believe that you knowingly and willingly took money from me and these other hard working, honest people with no intent to provide the goods and/or services that you advertised (unless they became a pain).

I also believe that you have every intention of continuing in your dispicable business practices so long as you feel you can get away with it.

These people you hurt are guilty of nothing more than trying to provide the best they can for their pets with the little money they've got. Shame on you!
I have no intention of letting this drop until you stop doing this to people.

Even if I get my goods or a refund, I will make sure that the rest of these people know exactly how to organise and take legal action against you.
I will make it my business until you stop doing yours.

Rest assured though, I am not threatening you. In no way will I ever take, encourage or attempt to incite illegal measures against you, because that would make me no better than you. I wish no harm to you, your family or associates. You should, however, think about what you are doing to them and what type of example you are setting for your child/children and grandchildren.
I only want you to stop hurting all of these hard working people and using their money like an "interest free" loan.
This is merely a promise that I intend to follow through on.
If you want to stop this legal action, you should do the right thing and refund all of these people's money and cease operation of this "business".
It's time to move on, Gary. Find something to earn a living at that doesn't involve hurting people, in any manner...please. Once there is a judgement against you, you will find it much more difficult.

Regards

Rather than risk legal bills and getting run around the courtrooms, why not lobby your local MP's, or Australian equivalent, with a dual pronged stab up the rear ends of the NSW OFC and the company. For reasons that bewilder me as an ex-banker, this company appears to remain afloat by means that even a magician wouldn't understand.

It's a tactic I've used myself successfully and a mass attack by animal lovers would be a politicians' nightmare, and I'm not mocking you, just delighting in the discomfort you could cause a politician whose livelihood depends on satisfying YOU.

I'm about to have a go at my MP again (watchout the bulldozer's back) and it works, and with an organised force you could achieve easily what appears beyond the capacity of taxpayer funded bureaucrats.

Lobby your MP - organise and attack (in a nice way). All you need is a functioning pc, and if you need help or advice - I'm on hand. I set up a website, but you have to be cautious over that, and if you let slip in your contact with your MP that you plan to get the media involved, it helps get their attention, and knowing it's an issue affecting animal lovers nationwide, you won't be ignored.

MP's are there for your benefit - use them - hard. - or kick 'em out.

@GomerPyle,
Thank you for such a wonderful idea! Although, given the current flood crisis across a good section of our fair land right now, it wouldn't be the best time for our cause.
I am definitely interested in following this up, though. I would be quite happy to get everything set up and ready to roll at a more appropriate time. And by "roll", I mean like a steam-roller.
I'm quite sure more of the victims of this "business" would be inclined to participate in action that did not require any further expense.
A letter and email campaign to our respective MPs could prove very effective, especially with the legal action also in the works.
I'm happy to have any assistance you care to provide!
Please feel free to contact me via my registered email address, if you have access to it.

The authorities appears to have fobbed off complaints making everyone feel impotent when, in actual fact, you hold a very powerful weapon, the natural empathy everyone has for animal welfare. If the OFT see you going ahead without them, you might even spark them in to life.

I understand what you say about the floods, and that's good tactical thinking, and that's what's needed. It's a matter of using mental muscle, and so many people have mentioned pet websites, and there must be hundreds, all with members who already know about the situation. You could practically raise your own army. Spread the word and raise your army.

You can not only get those who've been let down by this company, but those who feel solidarity with you. Those who've mentioned being unemployed and having sick pets. It's ammunition, and sorry to sound cynical, but let the company have a taste of their own cynicism, and those who've felt they've been trampled on and abused can be given a chance to do something.

Start off with a facebook page - why not ? The company name followed by the word complaints. Setting up a website of your own to collect factual details of people's experiences with copies of documents. Tell people to stick to facts. I could take it on to avoid legal issues as I'm anonymous and very secure.It's not necessary yet, but something to consider, and something to mention to any politicians you contact. Make yourself sound like an irresistable force with thousands behind you - then go and recruit your followers.

All you offer is revenge and justice - with no cost, just a little of people's time and effort, or just their support.

I didn't think of it earlier as it was impossible to believe that the situation would go unresolved for so long, and now you have a massive pent up force at your disposal. Harness that power and no one will fob you off or mock you.

LEGAL AND POLITICAL BATTLE TO STOP PETFOOD247
It's in the works, folks. Keep monitoring the posts for how you can help.
To those who are new to the forum, please continue to add your stories to this growing list.

@GomerPyle
Yes, I had already thought of the FaceBook idea, but hesitate due to the issues you raised as well as a few others. If that is something you are happy to do, I would greatly appreciate it, as I'm sure others will.

I am willing and very much able to do the majority of the work required to set up a letter and email campaign, and to ensure that it complies with all laws and regulations WRT wording and liability matters.

It just so happens, my local member is just down the road from me, so I might actually make an appointment and go in with all of my documentation in tow for a start.

I am also considering some other "investigative" options.
I can be very resourceful and incredibly tenacious, especially when it comes to someone hurting others willfully.

I know that Mr. McDuff and/or his associates monitor this thread, so there are some details better discussed outside this forum. Again, please feel free to contact me. I will also likely be setting up a separate email account very shortly to accommodate the anticipated actions.

Well knock me over with a feather ...... ...... my item arrived after phoning Gary's home phone 02 9543 7818 & speaking to him directly. Phone call made 19/1/11, got email saying item sent 19/1/11 and bugger me ... my parcel arrived the next day 20/1/11. One whole month in total from when order was originally placed & paid for.

I advise all to probably not even bother trying to get a response from the websites contact details ie; [email protected] & Ph 0450078884. My 3 emails @ 2 phone calls were never replied to. Ring him at home & hope he just doesn't change his home number.

I have'nt heard back from my credit card supplier yet.

I did hear back from NSW Fair Trading - they suggested i contact my card supplier (derr) for a 'Credit Card Charge Back'. They then suggested if my card supplier couldn't help then i should go to http://www.cttt.nsw.gov.au (Consumer Trader & Tenancy Tribunal), lodge & pay $35 to take matters to the Smalls Claims Court.

As far as Fair Trading are concerned, it is only after enough complaints are lodged that they would then see a "familiar trend" occurring. I think blind Freddy would see a "familiar trend" occuring before NSW FT. A "familiar trend" will inturn send up a red flag to them (ashame its not a red hot poker) - then they would make a "media release against the business".

Although i have now received my $125 product, i will keep an eye on this forum incase i can help out in any way. I WILL NEVER do business with petfood247 EVER again - i have horses, cats & dogs who always get the best - I will get my never ending purchases from a more deserving/honerable business.

Good on 'ya tommygee!
I'm really glad to hear you got you goods! I'm still waiting (10 Nov 2009).

To all of those out there who have had issues with this business
I am in the process of collecting documentation which will include the number of complaints made to the various government agencies.
If you have not yet filed a complaint with the NSW Fair Trade, please do so as soon as possible!It may not do much immediate good, but it's all ammunition. The more justification we can show, the more likely we are to get this resolved, once and for all.
You can file with any or all of these agencies on the internet or over the phone, if you prefer.

It's fast, it's easy and it's free:
NSW Fair Trade (use them because he is in THEIR jurisdiction)
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/About ... laintclick

The business details you will require are:
Business name: petfood247
ABN: 26215935282
Registered state/no. NSW BN98461919
2234
Proprietor: Mr. Gary John McDuff

You should have your e-invoice handy to enter the dates and other details.

You can also file with the ACCC

http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/54217

and ASIC
http://www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf/by ... registered


Let's stop this from happening to anyone else!

Thanks,

@tommygee: I'm glad you hear you finally received your goods. I assume all of the posts on this topic aren't enough of a "trend" for them to take action and instead they need people to file directly with them. I hope more people do so.

@JanH: You're wonderful in organizing this information for everyone. I've added a note with link to your last post to the first post on this thread urging people who have had problems to lodge a formal complaint.

Will wonders never cease!?!

I actually got my order today. All items were included, in good condition and with more than acceptable expiry dates on the food and medication.

I am pleased that he finally shipped my items and wish to thank him for finally doing so, but this has not changed my resolve in making sure this doesn't keep happening to other people.

There are a lot of things in the works at this point to get this kind of thing stopped.
Keep those complaints going to Fair Trade, NSW, keep posting your stories here and follow the thread for updates.

Regards to all