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Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

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E-Commerce Scams

Understand how scammers take advantage of online shoppers, spot suspicious listings and sellers, and shop online with confidence.

Last updated 26 May 2026

Key takeaways 

  1. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true on online marketplaces or social media.

  2. As sellers, always verify that payment has been received before delivering any goods or services.

In 2025, scam victims in Singapore lost at least S$16.7 million in e-commerce scams.

Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2025

How it works?

E-commerce scams involve the sales of goods and services without physical meet-ups.

Victims as buyers:
Victims would come across attractive deals on online marketplaces or social media platforms but would fail to receive the goods or services after making payment.

Victims as sellers:
Victims who were sellers did not receive payment after delivering the goods or services to scammers pretending to be buyers. The scammers sometimes provided victims with fake screenshots as “proof of payment”.

It is likely a scam if the seller:

  • Offers the item/service at an attractive price for a limited time ​

  • Asks you to make payment directly to him, and not through the platform’s secure payment option​

  • Needs you to click on links or install a third-party app sent via text messages to make payment or receive refunds​

  • Asks you to pay additional customs or delivery fees after the deal is confirmed

Examples of this scam type

Chat screenshot showing seller insisting tickets are legitimate despite scam concerns.

How to stay safe?

ADD:

  • Privacy settings to your messaging apps to only allow your contacts to add you to chat groups and avoid being added into unknown chatgroups by scammers luring you into such fake opportunities.

  • Security features such as 2 or Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA/MFA) for banking apps, setting transaction limits on payment accounts, including PayNow and PayLah.

CHECK:

  • Only install apps from official app stores.​

  • e-Commerce platforms’ Transaction Safety Ratings at go.gov.sg/mhatsr. ​

  • Pay using secure payment options offered by the platform.​

  • Do not click on links or scan QR codes sent via text messages by sellers.​

  • Never disclose your personal information, internet banking and social media account details, and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to anyone.​

  • With someone you trust about the offer.

  • Call the ScamShield helpline (1799) to check if you are unsure.​

TELL:

  • Warn friends and families about this scam encounter. ​

  • Flag any suspicious sellers to the e-commerce platform.​

  • Call your bank immediately and make a police report if you think you have fallen victim.

Encountered this scam? Here’s what to do

If you have transferred money to a scammer, please visit this page for a list of immediate actions: I've Been Scammed!

Help keep the community safe by reporting any instances of this scam you’ve seen or experienced with the ScamShield App.

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