The Police would like to alert members of the public to an increase in e-commerce scams involving the sale of products (e.g., electronic items, gold etc) on the Shopee App. In 2024, at least 179 cases were reported with total losses amounting to at least $399,000.
In this variant, victims would encounter livestreams or product listings on the Shopee App and they would place orders for these items. After orders were placed, the victims would be asked by the seller to complete the sale outside of Shopee App. The seller would offer victims a discount to entice victims to complete the transaction on messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp. In some cases, victims were added to Telegram group chats with other scammers posing as buyers. These buyers would confirm their receipt of products in the Telegram group chat, thereby deceiving victims that the sellers and products are legitimate. Victims would transfer money through PayNow or bank transfers to purchase the products. Some victims may also be notified that their products were withheld at customs and they needed to transfer more money to resolve the issue. Victims would realise that they had been scammed when they did not receive the products, sellers became uncontactable, or was banned by Shopee.
We would like to remind members of the public to exercise caution when transacting on e-commerce platforms. Always transact within the Shopee App to ensure protection by Shopee Guarantee, which is a safety feature that withholds payments to sellers until buyers confirm receipt of products.
Members of the public are encouraged to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- ADD – Add the ScamShield app to block and filter SMSes. Set up security features to your payment accounts.
- CHECK – Check for scam signs with official sources (e.g. call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799, use the ScamShield app or visit www.scamshield.gov.sg), or with someone you trust. Look out for common signs of e-commerce scams which includes transacting outside of authorised platforms or requests for payment of additional customs or delivery fees after purchasing the item. Decline offers of large discounts to settle payment off the e-commerce platform and only use the secure payment options offered within authorised platforms such as the Shopee App. Do not transfer money to anyone you do not know. Never disclose your personal information, internet banking or One-Time passwords to anyone.
- TELL – Tell the authorities as well as your family and friends if or when you encounter scams. Flag any suspicious sellers to the e-commerce platform. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, call your bank immediately to report and block any fraudulent transactions as well as make a police report.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
Screenshots of conversations
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 January 2025 @ 10:40 PM