Scam Details

Online Purchase Scam

As of December 2021

2707

victims

Have fallen prey to scammers

S$5.8

million

Total amount lost to scammers

S$400

thousand

Largest amount lost by an individual

WHAT IS AN ONLINE PURCHASE SCAM?

An unusually good deal for a gadget, amusement park or concert tickets attracts your attention online. You transfer payment to the ""seller"" who promises delivery of the item. In some cases, the seller demands further payment for duties or delivery charges after the first payment is made. Ultimately, you never receive the item.

In another variant, you may be asked to pay in cash for items that you did not purchase, that are different to what you thought you purchased or are cheap replicas.

Many of these fake sellers may pose as legitimate online sellers on popular marketplaces, create fake websites, or even place advertisements on social media to build credibility.

You only realise you've been scammed after paying for the items in cash.

Look out for these scam signs

Be wary of good deals

If it's too good to be true, chances are it is. These deals often go for way below market price disguised as a one-time-only or flash deals.

Scammers may also promote popular, sold-out items for above market price.

A lack of information

Scammers often omit product information, and/or have unstated terms and conditions.

Tries to take conversation off platform

Scammers may try to take the conversation off platform to avoid detection.

Requests payment via direct bank transfer

Scammers will often ask you to pay via direct bank transfer in return for a discount.

Asks for multiple payments

Scammers may also ask for extra payments like admin charges and freight charges.

How to stay safe

Transact within the platform. Where possible, insist on cash-on-delivery or use the platform's secure payment method.

Always choose to deal with reputable sellers who have good ratings and reviews and have been with the site for some time.

For high-value items, use reputable platforms with consumer protection and return policies.

Always check the terms and conditions and ensure fees are stated upfront.

Additional fees such as GST may be levied on goods that exceed a certain value ($400) for more information visit Singapore Customs: www.customs.gov.sg/individuals/buying-over-the-internet/

Explore each stage of this scam

The 5 Stages of E-commerce Scam

Discover the techniques behind the scam and red flags to look out for

Online Purchase Scam: Real Stories

View all

22 Dec 2022 | Online Purchase Scam

I lost over $4k to an Online Purchase scam

I came across a post on Facebook marketplace stating there was an installment plan I could take on so I clicked on the poster which led me to a direct contact on whatsapp. The following day I was contacted…...

15 Dec 2022 | Online Purchase Scam

Beware of Fake buyers online

This buyer mah28254 approached me on Carousell wanting to buy. he ask me to go to telegram and find @ghonti which turn out to be Alexander lee. he say he is keen to buy and offer to pay. he send me a…...

10 Dec 2022 | Online Purchase Scam

Fake buyer tricked me into divulging my personal details

I got scammed on my first time trying to sell an item on carousell. The fake buyer contacted me in the app almost immediately after i post the product ($20 necklaces). They said they want to purchase…...

GET SCAM-RELATED ADVICE: CALL 1800-722-6688 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, excl. PH)

GET SCAM-RELATED ADVICE:
CALL 1800-722-6688
(Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, excl. PH)

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