Online shopping scams are on the rise in Malaysia, with fraudsters posing as legitimate traders on e-commerce platforms to deceive unsuspecting buyers.
The process often begins smoothly. After payment is made, scammers provide shipping updates and delivery details that appear genuine. But once buyers sign for their parcels, they discover they have received worthless items or empty packages instead of what they ordered.
One victim, who bought an outdoor barbecue grill, was shocked to receive only a set of cheap kitchen knives — worth a fraction of what he paid.
Another case involved businessman Mac Wong, 53, who purchased three recliner chairs worth nearly RM2,000. After weeks of waiting, he expected a large delivery truck to arrive. Instead, a courier on a motorcycle handed him an envelope. Inside were not chairs, but three surgical masks.
Wong, an experienced online shopper, admitted he had fallen victim to such scams twice. Fortunately, the e-commerce platform he used provided full refunds within days.
However, not all victims are as lucky. Purchases made through social media ads or lesser-known websites often leave buyers without any form of compensation when scams occur.
Wong urged shoppers to remain cautious, noting common red flags such as:
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Promotions offering “buy one, free one” deals
- Sellers without verified ratings or reputations
He advised consumers to stick to reputable platforms, even if prices are slightly higher. “At least we can have peace of mind knowing we’ll be reimbursed if scammed,” he said.
Authorities continue to warn the public about cybercrime tactics that exploit trust in online shopping. As scams grow more sophisticated, experts stress that vigilance and careful platform choice are the best protections for consumers.
