SINGAPORE: A scam involving fraudulent bulk orders has resurfaced, resulting in losses of at least S$52,000 since May, the police said in a statement on 28 July.
Authorities said at least five cases have been reported so far, with perpetrators targeting businesses in the renovation, food and beverage, retail, and service sectors.
Scammers typically pose as teachers or staff from local schools and contact businesses such as renovation firms, restaurants, retailers, and service providers.
They usually reach out via phone calls or text messages, claiming to place large orders or make bulk reservations.
They often request additional items, specific brands that the businesses do not usually carry, or unusually large quantities that cannot be fulfilled on short notice.
The scammers then recommend a fake supplier for the victims to purchase the items from.
To strengthen the deception, fraudsters may present falsified documents showing partial payment for the orders, convincing victims to make upfront payments to the fake supplier.
Victims usually discover the scam only when they fail to receive payment from the supposed customer, the goods from the fake supplier do not arrive, or both parties become uncontactable.
Police have advised businesses to protect themselves by independently verifying new customers and suppliers, avoiding advance payments or deposits, and arranging face-to-face meetings with suppliers.
Payments should only be made after goods have been delivered, they added.
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