• Surge in online marketplace scams reported in Lagos
• Buyers being duped by fraudsters posing as sellers
• Police caution consumers on verifying seller identities
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a startling revelation, the Lagos State Police Command has sounded an alarm over a surge in fraudulent activities plaguing popular online marketplaces, leaving unsuspecting buyers vulnerable to scams.
The escalating issue has prompted authorities to urge heightened vigilance among online consumers.
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The recent incident involving a buyer, a scammer, and an innocent seller has underscored the gravity of the situation, prompting the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, to issue a stern warning. In a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, Hundeyin elaborated on the modus operandi of these cunning scammers.
“Complaints about this are becoming too frequent. Try not to fall victim!” Hundeyin cautioned. “To better understand this, let us agree that Tom is the innocent buyer, Dick is the scammer while Harry is the innocent seller.”
Hundeyin elucidated the intricate web of deception woven by these fraudsters, explaining, “Tom visits a popular online marketplace and sees an item he likes, at a very good price, from a reputable vendor. He calls the number on the vendor’s profile to show interest in buying the item. Dick answers the call and also shows interest in selling to Tom. Unknown to Tom, Dick has no item to sell. Dick simply cloned the account of that reputable vendor. Everything is the same except the phone number.”
The scammer’s tactics become even more devious as Hundeyin continued, “Dick then tells Tom, ‘I am not in the shop now. Go to my shop and you will meet my boy. Tell him Dick sent you. Check the item, and if you are satisfied, send payment to the account I will send to you now.'”
Highlighting the collateral damage inflicted on innocent sellers, Hundeyin added, “Dick also calls Harry and says, ‘Hello I am Dick. I saw item XYZ you put up for sale. I am interested in buying it. I will send someone to come and buy it, as I’m not around for now.'”
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The police spokesperson emphasized the importance of verifying seller identities, stating, “Lesson 1: Buyer should ensure that the person he/she spoke with on the phone and the attendant at the shop (or delivery guy in some cases) both agree on the same account details before payment is made.”
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