Beware conmen posing as school staff for bulk-order scams: Police
BNB Diviyadhaarshini for The Straits Times
A type of scam involving fake bulk orders has re-emerged, with losses amounting to at least $52,000 since May, the police said.
They added, in a statement on July 28, that there have been at least five reported cases, targeting the renovation, food and beverage, retail and service industries.
In such a ruse, scammers would typically pose as teachers or staff from local schools. These conmen would usually call or text renovation firms, restaurants, retailers and service-related businesses, pretending to place bulk orders or making reservations.
They would request additional items, or specific brands that the targeted businesses do not carry, or quantities that the businesses are unable to fulfil on short notice.
The scammers would then recommend a fake supplier for the victims to buy the items from. The fake customers may provide false documentation showing they had already made partial payment for the orders, to convince the victims to make upfront payment for orders placed with the fake supplier.
The police added that the victims would realise they had been scammed only when they do not receive any payment from the fake customers, or when the fake suppliers fail to deliver the goods, or when both parties become uncontactable.
The police advised businesses to protect themselves by independently verifying would-be customers and new suppliers, and to avoid making advance payments or deposits to new suppliers. They should also arrange to meet the supplier and pay only for goods that have been delivered.
