Woman loses $3,500 in Facebook Live jade scam
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the woman said she came across the livestream in early May. It was hosted by a woman claiming to be a Chinese national based in Myanmar.
"I watched it for several days and noticed from the comments that many Singaporeans and Malaysians were also tuning in," she said.
The woman noticed that the jade jewellery sold during the livestream was priced affordably - one set, which included jade earrings, a necklace, and a ring, was listed at 5,700 yuan (about S$1,012). Within a week, she selected several sets and transferred 9,000 yuan on May 19.
She later picked out a few more sets and transferred over 10,000 yuan on May 27.
"Initially, I hesitated because it was a large amount, but I was busy preparing for an overseas trip and the seller said the items wouldn't be shipped unless payment was made - so I went ahead with it," she said.
When she later inquired about the delivery via Facebook Messenger, she was told the items had been sent to the wrong warehouse. On June 25, the seller promised that the goods would arrive the next day. However, when she checked again on June 26, she found she had been blocked.
"I saw other people posting online saying the same thing had happened to them. That's when I knew it was a scam," she said.
"I lodged a police report and I no longer dare to buy anything online. I hope others will be careful."
When Shin Min Daily News contacted the seller through Facebook, there was no reply, and it was later blocked.
In response to Shin Min Daily News, the police confirmed a report has been lodged and investigations are ongoing.
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