WHAT HAPPENS?
Scammers posing as customers would call businesses or message them on Whatsapp purportedly to order items in bulk.
They would typically request for items that the retailers do not stock, or in quantities that the businesses were unable to fulfil on short notice.
Scammers would then recommend a “supplier” for victims to purchase these additional items from.
Occasionally, screenshots of fake payment documentation, such as invoices and bank transactions, would be provided to assure the victims and convince them to make upfront payments for the orders placed with the “suppliers”.
“Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered they did not receive any payment from the ‘customer’, or when the ‘supplier’ did not deliver the goods, or when both ‘customer’ and ‘supplier’ become uncontactable,” said the police.
The police advised businesses to “remain vigilant” and incorporate steps to verify any party they correspond with.
Retailers are also encouraged to check a supplier’s reviews before committing to any purchases.
Those with information on scams should call 1800-255-0000 or submit the information online.
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