At least 167 victims have lost $30,000 to e-commerce food scams since December
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Scammers would typically entice victims by posting fake offers of food items on online platforms like Facebook.
PHOTOS: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
SINGAPORE - Lovers of wagyu beef and other exotic food items should beware of e-commerce food scams in the lead-up to Chinese New Year.
At least 167 victims have fallen prey to such scams, with total losses amounting to at least $30,000 since December 2022.
The police said earlier this week that a scammer would typically entice victims by posting fake offers of food items on online platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.
Victims would then contact the seller via Facebook messenger or embedded URL links in TikTok advertisements.
After confirming price and order details, the victims would make payment to the seller’s bank account.
In some cases, victims would be redirected to fraudulent websites, where they would key in their credit/debit card details and one-time password to pay for the orders.
They would realise they have been scammed only when they discover they have not received the goods, or when unauthorised transactions are found in their bank accounts or credit card bills.
Alternatively, they might find out when the seller becomes uncontactable after receiving payment.
To avoid falling prey to such scams, the police said: “If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources.”
They added that the public should also remember to verify the seller’s profile through customer reviews and ratings, and avoid making upfront payments to unknown individuals.
Any fraudulent transactions should also be reported to banks immediately, said the police.
