430-252-6344

I work as a purchasing agent for clients in South America. While searching for two generator sets, I found a website called www.longbeachoffcoastdepot.com. The site looked legitimate, but there were no independent reviews to confirm it. Still, believing it credible, I tried to call. The phone lines were constantly busy, and the only personal contact that worked was WhatsApp at +1(430)2526344 and an email address, [email protected] . On February 26, 2026, they sent a formal price quote by email. I re-established contact by email on March 2, 2026 and asked for banking details to initiate the purchase. On March 13, 2026 I wired US$13,000 to the account they provided. A few days after the transfer, a different email arrived, from [email protected] , demanding an additional US$4,000 for cargo insurance. That request set off alarm bells. I consulted my own insurance broker, who valued insurance for the two generator sets at US$12,000 with a premium of about US$30. The vendor’s $4,000 request was wildly inconsistent with market norms. When I raised the discrepancy, the seller replied that if I refused to pay the extra $4,000, they would refund the US$13,000 I had already paid. Hoping to resolve the situation, I agreed to the refund. Our last confirmed communication was on March 20, 2026. Since then, I have received no refund and no further replies to calls, WhatsApp messages, or emails. I still have the wire transfer receipt, the email quotes and demands, and screenshots of WhatsApp exchanges. What began as a routine procurement turned into a troubling pattern: a convincing website, plausible initial contact, [BBB Scam Type: Online Purchase] [Business: Long Beach offcoast depot Date Repor] [Location: FL, USA- 33027]