Police Advisory On Fake Bulk Order Scams Targeting Retailers In The Renovation Industry

The Police would like to alert members of the public to a re-emergence of fake bulk order scams. This scam variant targets the renovation industry, including renovation contractors, design firms, and suppliers of curtains, blinds, and fabrics. Since 12 April 2024, at least five victims have fallen prey, with total losses amounting to at least $25,000.

In this scam variant, scammers would pose as "customers" and contact businesses via call or WhatsApp message to order items in bulk. The scammers 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 purported customer would then proceed to recommend a "supplier" for the victims 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". 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 would like to advise businesses and members of the public to remain vigilant, and adopt the following precautionary measures:

1. 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.
   
   
2. CHECK - For scam signs with official sources (e.g. ScamShield WhatsApp bot @ https://go.gov.sg/scamshield-bot, call the Anti-Scam Helpline on 1800-722-6688, or visit www.scamalert.sg). Check for reviews of suppliers to establish their legitimacy before committing to a purchase.
   
   
3. TELL - Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the scammers to WhatsApp, or the relevant messaging app.

If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial '999'.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!

Annex

Screenshot of fake invoice sent to victim to request for advanced payments prior to the delivery of the bulk order▼

Screenshot of fake bank transactions to victim as proof of payment for the bulk order▼

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 April 2024 @ 3:25 PM