Beware of Facebook merchants selling fake, underpriced stuff

KUALA LUMPUR: Beware of cheap stuff being sold online, as scammers may end up fobbing fakes or rejects on buyers tempted by the bargains.

The MCA Public Services and Complaints Department has received eight reports of online shopping scams with total losses of over RM173,000 this year.

Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said the biggest scam was RM100,000 worth of shoes.

He warned that most of the scammers operate on Facebook and attract consumers with low prices for popular goods such as smartphones.

“Their modus operandi are the same. Consumers will get attracted to purchase cheap products, but they end up getting fake or rejected products,” he said at a press conference at Wisma MCA here on Thursday (Nov 22).

He added that some of these conmen are foreigners.

According to Malaysia Mobile Communication Association president Keng Soon, the fake Facebook merchants will attract potential victims with attractive images, sponsored ads and low prices that are 10% to 20% below the market price.

“In one case, a Facebook page was selling drones for RM300 to RM400, when the market price is RM2599.”

“It said the price is cheap because the stock is on hold by customs and they need to ‘clear’ the stock,” he added.

He said as a result, not only are consumers duped into buying fake products, the scam has also affected the business of legitimate gadget stores.

“Consumers are using the fake price as a benchmark and complain to merchants why their prices are so high,” he said.

“But they are not aware that this is all a scam,” he added.

“Don’t be penny wise, pound foolish.

“Always question why they are able to sell at such low prices and check the Facebook page of the original brand and website to compare the price,” he said.

 

Source: The Star