Australia Website Solution Money-Back Scam

Scam Description

I'm in Victoria. We hired Australia Website Solution (australiawebsitesolution.com.au) to build a website for our business. We also paid extra for an SEO content package and extra again to have our ERP system integrated. Their Google ads still push a Basic Website Package from $199 with a 100% money-back guarantee. The main site lists the same guarantee on packages from $1,660 up. For the first four to six months we had regular weekly calls and it seemed normal. A finished, usable website never arrived. After more than four months we asked for the refund they advertised. They refused, saying they had invested time. When we asked for the guarantee terms, the small print only allowed a refund within 15 days of purchase. That was not made clear when they sold the 100% money-back line. They said they would escalate it internally. Nothing happened. On a follow-up call we were left on hold for over two hours while someone claimed they were checking with accounts. Then the calls stopped. Emails to support@australiawebsitesolution.com.au went unanswered. Our work number started getting blocked. If we call from a new number and give the business name, they hang up. Payments were requested by direct bank transfer to Soltech Digital Ltd — a different name to Australia Website Solution on the invoices and the website. Their listed address also changed from a specific St Kilda address to a generic Melbourne CBD one. Do not pay Australia Website Solution up front. Do not send a bank transfer to Soltech Digital Ltd. Their ads quote (03) 6185 3550. If you already paid, dispute it with your bank and report it to Scamwatch. Anyone who later offers to recover the money for a fee is another scam.