How online scam works

HOOK

First, scammers put up attractive online advertisements of mobile phones or tablets going at low prices for a limited time. They might even claim to have a refund policy.

They make you believe they are genuine by:

1. Giving you a copy of their NRIC/Passport

2. Providing you with a local contact number

3. Providing documents such as shipping invoice

4. Advertising on legitimate-looking website

LINE

After they hook you, they tighten the line.

These are what scammers will say to get even more money out of you:

1. "I need money to retrieve items which were wrongly delivered to another country."

2. "I need money to pay customs fees."

3. "I need to pay administrative fees to solve courier or shipment problems."

4. "You need to buy more items, as existing order does not meet the minimum required quantity."

SINKER

If you take the bait, not only will you never see the items, you'll have paid twice, or more, for nothing.

If you have any information related to this type of crime, contact the police at 1800-255 0000 or dial 999 if urgent

This article was published on April 7 in The New Paper.

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