A FB user Paul Teo has shared his experience with a scammer for buying a phone at a “discounted” price.
According to him, he comes across a seller on Shopee who tried to offer him a phone at a discounted price. The seller requested him to message him privately for the deal instead of going through Shopee.
The FB user agreed and privately messaged the seller without thinking that this could be a scam. The scammer later convinced him into putting a $200 deposit for the phone. Initially, the man requested for cash and carry but it was refused. Both parties chatted for 3 hours in regards to the purchase. The seller had even provided him with his NRIC to prove that the transaction is legitimate.
“COVID protection deposit”
However, instead of getting his phone, the seller messaged him and requested him to pay an additional refundable “COVID protection deposit” of $300.
The FB user immediately requested for a refund after smelling something fishy. The seller refused and continue to convince him that he is genuine. The seller went missing after the FB user insists for a refund.
The FB user alerted the police and managed to get back his money.
In his post:
“â›”I was CHEATED because of my greed!
Luckily, I didnt got myself further into this phone scam.
When the seller try to give me a huge discount and requested I pm him privately, I didnt think too much if it’s gona be a scam.
I just wanted to buy a new phone.
Instead of going through the formal Shopee, I fell for the “discounted” price and pmed the seller directly via whatsapp instead.
He was so convincing!
Thruout the conversation,
💚He build rapport with me (saying he is also a family man)
💚Created temptation by say I can have the phone by today (Seduce)
💚No other place will offer such low price (Greed)
But all is required from me is a deposit of $200.
At first I proposed cash and carry, then he keep saying company policy bla bla.. and keep telling me no where else has this price.
We spoke on whatsapp for nearly 3 hours.
Over a phone purchase!!!
Then I tot, oh well, nobody will be so free to talk to me for 3 hours just to scam $200 right?
He even send me a snapshot of his NRIC. 😶
I placed a deposit and waited for the delivery.
Then came the 2nd part… he ask for more money saying I need to pay an additional refundable “Covid protection deposit” of $300
Eh???? 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨
SCAM ALERT ⛔⛔⛔
I wanted my money back.
He refused.
He keep assuring me its a good buy (Alert) â›”
Very vague reason why the phone is sold so cheap (Alert)â›”
He even send me a video of “him” carrying his NRIC. 🤔
I was very dissapointed because When someone TRIES too hard to prove he is geninue, I guess he prob is NOT.
I told him I will report to the police if he doesnt refund within the next 20mins.
He didnt reply.
I made a report.
Fortuntely, our beloved Police force worked very effectively, and managed to retrive my loss back. 😀🤗🤗🤗🤗
Appreciate yr time and attention despite so busy with our current season now.
Moral of my story:
Always becareful of product or service that are too “cheap” to be true.
I have learnt my lesson.
I hope this sharing can help some1 out there in any way or another.
Stay home, stay safe. Dont anyhow Shop.”
