Avoid Shipping Container Scams: How To Buy Safely

You see a shipping container listed online for a great price, send the money, and then… nothing arrives. Sadly, this is happening more often to buyers across Canada.

The Port of Montréal has issued warnings about fake shipping container sales, and shipping container companies have had their addresses used in scams. 

This isn’t just a shipping container problem; it’s part of a bigger trend: the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported over 91,000 reports totalling approximately $530 million in losses.

If you’re looking for a shipping container in Ottawa, you’ll want to protect yourself.

Why Shipping Container Scams Happen

Why scammers target this market

• Shipping containers are in demand for storage, moving, workshops, and even housing.
• Buyers don’t always see them in person before buying.
• It’s easy to set up fake listings on social media and websites.

Common shipping container scams

• Fake listings: The shipping container doesn’t exist.
• Condition scams: Seller promises good condition, but the shipping container is damaged or unusable.
• Impersonation: Scammers use the names and addresses of reputable companies.
• Risky payments: Asking for full payment by e-transfer or crypto.
• No delivery: Shipping container never shows up, or something different arrives.

Real examples

The Port of Montréal has warned that scammers publish ads pretending to sell containers under their name. Legitimate companies like BigSteelBox have also been impersonated in ads to make offers look real.

Huge Red Flags & Warning Signs

Here’s what should make you cautious: 

• Sell shipping containers at a far too low price
• Seller demands full payment upfront by e-transfer, wire, or crypto
• No business address or registration you can verify
• Website or domain is brand new
• Seller won’t allow in-person inspection
• Only stock images are shown
• Communication only on WhatsApp or throwaway emails
• Pressure to act quickly
• Location doesn’t match delivery claims
• Use of real company names or logos without proof of connection

How To Check If a Seller Is Legit

Before paying, go through this list to ensure you’re working with a legitimate company:

• Look up their corporate registration or business license
• Verify their physical address on Google Maps
• Conduct on-site visits or hire someone local to inspect the shipping container
• Check when the website domain was registered
• Ask for recent photos or videos of actual shipping containers and deliveries
• Search for reviews on Google or the BBB
• If possible, start with a smaller order or partial payment
• Ask for a contract that spells out the terms of sale
• Use safe payment methods like a credit card or escrow service
• Confirm who is delivering the shipping container, when, and at what cost

What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Act quickly:

1. Stop any future payments
2. Collect proof like emails, screenshots, and payment details
3. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
4. Notify your bank or credit card company
5. File a police report
6. Report the listing to the platform (Facebook page, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, etc.)
7. Share your experience to warn others
8. Talk to a lawyer if the loss is large

Reporting matters. Many scams go unreported, which makes it easier for fraudsters to keep going. 

Why It’s Safer To Buy Local With Cassidy’s

Cassidy’s Moving & Storage has been serving Ottawa and the Valley for years. When you work with us:

• You can see and choose your shipping container in person at our yard in Pembroke
• Delivery costs are included in our quotes
• Our drivers know the local area and handle the delivery themselves
• You’re dealing with a real local business, not a faceless online listing
• We’re here if you have questions or need help checking a third-party offer

Wrap-Up: Safe Buyer’s Checklist

Watch for: low shipping container prices, upfront e-transfer demands, no inspections, brand-new websites, stock photos, impersonation.

Do before buying: check registration, confirm address, ask for proof, check reviews, demand a contract, use safe payments, and confirm delivery details.

Take your time and never feel pressured to send money before you’re confident in the seller.

Work With Cassidy’s

Ready to buy a shipping container with confidence?

• Request a quote from Cassidy’s today.
• Take a look at our various sizes of shipping containers
• Ask us to look over an online offer if you’re not sure it’s real.
• Talk to a local team that knows the market and delivers shipping containers across Ottawa and the Valley.