At least 5 businesses duped by fake customers ordering items in bulk, lost $25,000 in 2 weeks

At least five business have lost a total of at least $25,000 to fake bulk order scams since April 12, said the police.

The scammers target those in the renovation industry, including renovation contractors, design firms, and suppliers of curtains, blinds, and fabrics.

Posing as “customers”, the scammers contact businesses via call or WhatsApp message to order items in bulk.

They would typically request for additional items that the businesses do not stock, or in quantities that the retailers are unable to fulfil on short notice.

The fake customer would then proceed to recommend a “supplier” for the business to purchase the additional items.

Scammers may provide screenshots of fake payment documentation to assure the victims that they have made payment for the bulk order, which convinces the victims to make upfront payment for the orders placed with the “suppliers”.

The victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered they did not receive any payment from the “customer”, or when the “supplier” did not deliver the goods, or when both “customer” and “supplier” become uncontactable.

The police advise businesses and members of the public to remain vigilant and adopt the following precautionary measures:

• ADD –ScamShield App to protect yourself from scam calls and SMSes. Include, in your business processes, steps to verify the party that you are corresponding with in your business process.
• CHECK – For scam signs with official sources. Check for reviews of suppliers to establish their legitimacy before committing to a purchase.
• TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the scammers to WhatsApp, or the relevant messaging app.