Types of Online Shopping Fraud - Scenario 2

The above scenario shows that a buyer purchases a box of large fairy house bricks block online for her nephews and niece. The buyer is happy that the product delivers on time and the box is same with the one that displayed online. However, when her nephews and niece did assemble the bricks block, they just realise it is totally different with the one that described online. 

The buyer seeks for an exchange of the product but she just realises that there is a term and condition stated “all goods sold are not returnable or exchangeable” under any circumstances. She feels being cheated by the seller.   

“It is an offence under Trade Description Act 2011 section 5(1)(a) any person who applies a false trade description to any goods; (b) supplies or offers to supply any goods to which a false trade description is applied shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both if such person is not body corporate.

Those terms and conditions that imposed by online traders may not favourable to consumers. The statement that “all goods sold are not returnable or exchangeable” will blind consumers and they are unable to claim any rights in cases of defective goods and unsatisfactory goods. Consumers must aware all the terms and conditions stated on the website before they purchase."

Special credits to:
Online buyer (victim): Teo Geok Cheng (Sukie)
Nephew 1: Lim Yong Han
Nephew 2: Lim Yong Seng
Niece: Lim Shi Ya
Courier staff: Cheah Zi Yik
Photographer: Teo Geok Hong & Cheah Zi Yik
Cartoon effect editor: http://www.cartoonize.net/

Types of Online Shopping Fraud - Scenario 1

The above picture illustrates a buyer being scammed online. The seller, who is an online scammer, wished to earn quick money through selling products online. He posted a picture of an ipad, selling at a very cheap price. The girl above in the picture, happened to browse the Internet and her attention was drew at the ipad being sold. She was attracted as the selling price was so much more cheaper than it's being sold elsewhere. Without further consideration or hesitation, she decided to purchase the ipad and made the payment online to the seller. The item was expected to arrive in three days time as stated in the website.

One week has passed, the ipad still did not arrive at her doorstep. Hence, she decided to check the delivery status and wanted to contact the seller online. Unfortunately, when she log on to the website, it was displayed that the website is no longer available and does not exist. She then came to realize that she was actually being scammed, however it was too late!

Does the above situation seemed familiar to you? 

Were you one of the victim as above? 

It is common that as consumers, we often get attracted to attractive deals, or fall prey to several types of scams without realizing. We must learn to be a smart shopper online, do not make purchase from untrusted websites, especially those selling counterfeit products with super low prices, and check if the website is legally registered. DO NOT purchase if any of the information online seems fishy to you. It is advisable to select the option of "cash on delivery" payment mode if available, instead of paying it online directly before the arrival of goods. Preventive measures are vital to ensure that we do not fall prey to fabricated websites easily.

Do not be easily lured by discounts!
Let us all together, be a smart shopper online!

Special credits to:
Online seller (scammer): Cheong Zhen Fui (Nick)
Online buyer (victim): Michelle Anne Minjoot
Photographer: Teo Geok Cheng (Sukie)
Cartoon effect editor: http://www.cartoonize.net/