E Commerce Scams

E-commerce Scams

E-commerce scams involve the sales of goods and services without physical meet-ups. Generally, victims would come across attractive deals on online marketplaces or social media platforms but would fail to receive the goods or services after making payment. In some cases, the victims were sellers who did not receive payment after delivering the goods or services to scammers pretending to be buyers. The scammers sometimes provided victims with fake screenshots as “proof of payment”.

At least S$13.9 million lost to scammers

Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2023

It is likely a scam if the seller

• Prices the item/service at ridiculously low prices for a limited time.

• Asks you to make payment directly to him/her, instead of using the platform’s secure payment option.

• Needs you to download third-party app or click unknown URL links to make payment or facilitate a refund.

• Asks you to pay additional customs or delivery fees after the deal is confirmed.

How to stay safe

• ADD: Anti-virus app as recommended by CSA and security features such as 2FA for your online accounts and Money Lock for your bank accounts.
  Use only official banking apps downloaded from official app stores (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) to make transfers or payments. Set transaction limits on internet banking transactions, including PayNow and PayLah.

• CHECK: The e-Commerce platforms’ Transaction Safety Rating at go.gov.sg/mhatsr. Only on well-established e-commerce platforms with secure payment options.
  Verify the authenticity of request for additional payments (e.g. GST, delivery fees) with e-commerce seller on the platform directly. Do not use clickable links or QR codes provided by sellers out of the platform to make payments/transfers as these lead to fake bank websites that phish for your banking credentials.
  Never disclose your personal information, internet banking and social media account details, and one-time passwords (OTPs) to anyone.

• TELL: Flag any suspicious users and fraudulent transactions to the e-commerce platforms.

Learn more about e-commerce scams

Found a good deal? Check for these e-commerce scam signs before you checkout

E-commerce scams are on the rise. Here’s how you can shop safely online

Encountered this scam? Report it!

If you have transferred money to a scammer, please visit this page for a list of immediate actions: I've Been Scammed!

Help keep the community safe by reporting any instances of this scam you’ve seen or experienced with the ScamShield App.