Recently, Twitter user @alienlapo shared a brief account of how he lost RM 1400 after falling victim to an iPhone scammer whose Instagram account is now deleted.
He, who was allured by the Buy 1 Free 1 promotion posted by this Instagram business account, @_qziphonestore_, promptly contacted the seller for further details. However, to his dismay, he was soon blocked after his transaction was done.
Unfortunately, @alienlapo's story is not an isolated case. Another modus operandi typically run by local scammers is to pretend to be a representative of the Inland Board Revenue of Malaysia (LHDN), tricking taxpayers into believing they are to settle their tax arrears to avoid arrest.
One particular victim shared her story via google docs of losing over RM 15K after being tricked to hand over her bank account details via phone calls from someone claiming to be from the authority.
A few key points to remember here:
• It is probably safe to assume that every iPhone sold on Instagram are either fakes or a scam. Don't fall for the ludicrous promos.
• Bodies of authority will never handle official matters through a phone call, let alone through a private number.
• Never trust a person when they ask for your personal details, especially when it's via a shady phone call.
All in all, if you find yourself in these situations, try your best to compose yourself as panic often clouds the judgment. These scammers are skilled in using psychological tricks to mess with their victims.
Therefore, it's important that we educate ourselves on all the common modus operandi to avoid being the next victim.
