New Scam in Facebook Groups: Fake Listings for sale

 

Scam alert!

There appears to be a new scam that is hitting Facebook Groups.

How the scam works?

1 Big sale due to relocation due to loss of jobs, ailing parents, etc.

Relocation is the standard phrase use. As a result, a lot of things are put on offer.

 2 Selling at Cheap Price

Scammers are now impersonating sellers selling a sizeable selection of items at heavily discounted prices

These are some examples 

Macbook 2022 - List for sale at $500

A quick check at Carousell shows an average price of $1300

iPhone Pro Max at $550

Carousell sellers are listing at least at $1000.

If it is too good to be true, it often is false.

3) The ad allows you to 'self-collect' as a ruse to make you believe it is genuine

The ads apparently allow self-collection, but you must first pay in advance.

How to spot a fraud?

These are the RED Flags that are often found in these listings.

Listings are from NEW Members

These listings are often by NEW Members of the Group. They only joined to list their sales. If you click on the profile, it usually leads to a blank profile page with little posts.

Fake Photos

Does this look like Singapore?

Photos are ripped off from Google Search. Some photos have backgrounds of houses overseas. Some items listed are not even realistic in Singapore (e.g. Golf Carts)

Radiators in Singapore?

Disable Comments

The comment function in the post is disabled - The only way to communicate is via DM. This disallows anyone else to alert other members that it may be a possible scam.

Offer pick up or delivery but always reject pick up

Always offer pick up or delivery to you as options. However, when you choose to pick up, they will always give an excuse that they are unavailable at that moment.

Must deposit first before item is send

Proceed to ask you for deposits first. Use the First Come, First Serve tactic as bait. Deposit is usually a minimum of $50.

Disappear after payment

When paid, they will disappear. Thereafter, it will be impossible to contact them.