Police investigating after man pays $500 for 2 sets of AirPods -- only for seller to go MIA
A seller who listed Apple AirPods for sale online 'disappeared' on Stomper Peter after receiving a payment of $500 from him.
The seller, who went by the name 'Joy', had listed the AirPods for sale in a Facebook group in November last year.
Peter was keen on getting two units and transferred a total of $500 to Joy via PayNow on Jan 7.
However, days passed and there was no further update from Joy. She also stopped responding to Peter's calls and messages after receiving the money.
Peter told Stomp: "I called her since Day 1, but she did not pick up."
He eventually asked for a refund, only to be told that 'stocks were delayed at the customs'.
"Please be a bit patient," said Joy on Jan 12.
There has been no word from her ever since, and the Stomper made a police report on Jan 13.
To date, he has yet to receive his purchase or refund.
In response to a Stomp query, the police confirmed that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.
In December last year, two men were arrested for allegedly cheating victims into buying fake Apple AirPods that were listed for sale online.
Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when shopping online:
- Be wary of people selling items for prices that sound too good to be true. Check the seller’s track record by reading reviews of their services or contact past customers.
- Buy goods only from authorised dealers. If advanced payment is required, use shopping platforms that provide arrangements to only release your payment to the seller upon your receipt of the item;
- Bear in mind that the party that you are dealing with online is a stranger. Whenever possible, only pay upon your receipt of the item.
Be wary of people selling items for prices that sound too good to be true. Check the seller’s track record by reading reviews of their services or contact past customers.
Buy goods only from authorised dealers. If advanced payment is required, use shopping platforms that provide arrangements to only release your payment to the seller upon your receipt of the item;
Bear in mind that the party that you are dealing with online is a stranger. Whenever possible, only pay upon your receipt of the item.
View more photos of Peter's experience in the gallery.
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