Joséphine (1), resident of La Garnache (Vendée), is still disappointed. A few days ago, she felt like she was the victim of a vegetable scam. The bill is hefty: 140 kg of carrots, apples, pears, potatoes and €530 bill. At his side, Noémie is also not upset at having paid €115, for 10 kg of onions and 15 kg of carrots. “When you tell it, it makes you want to laugh. It seems unbelievable…but everything is happening so fast,” confide those who met after recounting their misadventures on social networks.
Their story is made of similarities. One afternoon, a man knocked on their door. He explains that he is delivering a neighbor, “which was false”. He calls himself a market gardener in the sector and offers his products. “I had just gone shopping, but I told them I was interested, to support local farmers,” says Noémie.
“We must file a complaint”
The man then returns with a white truck “and a vegetable logo on it” . He delivers a well-rehearsed speech, “always very polite”, promising fruit and vegetables one euro cheaper than in stores and which can be kept for a long time. He explains that he has to deliver a neighbor and that he will come back to bring the goods. “It goes so fast that you don't even have time to place one. And you wait, without knowing how many you are going to buy, or for what amount,” add the two women. A few minutes later, the seller returned, with two people introduced as family members.
“They unload in my garage, but I don’t see what they put there,” remembers Joséphine. Same blind spot for Noémie: “I wanted to help, but he told me that his son was there for that and to stay with him to make the bill together. » Still without any precise idea of quantities and price.
“My son was crying, my partner had to go to the emergency room, I was not well at that time. I said yes, but for a small amount, Joséphine laments. When I saw €530 I wanted to refuse, but I didn't dare. I told myself I would sell some, as they can be kept for a long time. I paid in cash. » Noémie manages to negotiate the withdrawal of some goods, but pays €115, by card. “There were three men in front of me. Without being threatening, just the presence is enough to be impressed, when you are a single woman,” continues the Garnachoise.
Once the sellers leave, doubt sets in. “I felt ashamed, the impression that my privacy had been violated. I was afraid they had come to scout. I haven't slept all week.” supports Noémie. Joséphine tried to contact the number on the invoice to return the vegetables, arguing for a right of withdrawal. After an end of refusal, the exchanges stopped.
The two Vendée women each launched an alert on social networks. Testimonies in the Challans sector are pouring in. After a first unsuccessful call to the gendarmerie, during which Noémie did not feel listened to, they finally went to file a complaint on Monday December 2. “They listened to our story. We want to alert people to this scam and say that they should be careful. We also want to say that you should file a complaint. We can't leave it like this.” confide the two victims. When contacted, the gendarmerie confirmed the existence of these complaints and advised other victims to do the same. On social networks, the City of La Garnache calls for vigilance in the face of door-to-door canvassing.
(1) First names have been changed.
