S$314,000 lost to Carousell, Facebook fake buyer phishing scams in December

SINGAPORE: Victims of fake buyer phishing scams on Carousell and Facebook have lost at least S$314,000 (US$236,000) this month, the police said in an advisory on Tuesday (Dec 19). 

At least 132 people have fallen prey to such scams since December, they added. 

This scam variant involves criminals posing as “buyers”. They then approach victims by messaging them on Carousell and Facebook, expressing interest in the items listed for sale on the platforms. 

After agreeing to the sale, the victims would receive a malicious URL link or QR code via email, in-app messaging or through WhatsApp. This is on the pretext of receiving payment for the item or to pay for courier services such as Lalamove to facilitate the delivery of the item. 

Upon clicking on the links or scanning the QR codes, victims are redirected to a fake website to provide their internet banking login credentials, credit card details or one-time password. 

Victims would realise that they were duped when they discover unauthorised transactions made from their bank accounts or cards. 

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The police advised the public to not click on dubious URL links.

“If in doubt, always verify the authenticity of the information with the e-commerce platform directly,” said the police. 

Members of the public should also report any fraudulent transactions to their banks immediately and report any suspicious user and fraudulent transactions from the online marketplace to the e-commerce platform.