As Chinese New Year approaches and festive discounts flood the market, the risk of scams rises. Fraudsters often exploit the excitement of seasonal deals, luring buyers with offers that seem irresistible but are deceptive.
Images: Pexels/Pixabay, cottonbro studio, HONG SON
Scammers frequently pose as sellers on online platforms like Facebook, participate in livestreams, or join group buys through messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
Additionally, they may impersonate delivery companies or personnel, claiming a failed delivery due to issues like customs clearance, incorrect address details, or other fabricated reasons to gain access to personal information or payments.
Images: Singapore Police Force, Circular Connection
Key Precautions to Protect Yourself:
Verify Authenticity: Always purchase from official merchants or trusted shopping platforms. Avoid private transactions through messaging apps.
Scrutinize Websites and Links: Be cautious of links to deals, especially if they look suspicious. Fake links may lead to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive information, including credit card details and banking credentials.
Avoid Malicious Apps: Some scammers may trick buyers into downloading apps as part of the payment process. Once installed, these apps can remotely access devices and execute unauthorized transactions.
If a deal appears too good to be true or raises doubts, exercise caution. Prioritize safety over potential savings to ensure a scam-free festive season.
