How to Report a Carousell Scam and Recover Your Money in Singapore

Introduction

Carousell is one of Singapore’s most popular marketplaces for buying and selling both new and second-hand items. Its convenience and variety make it appealing, but it also attracts scammers. If you have been a victim of a Carousell scam, you are not alone. The good news is that there are clear, practical steps to report the scam and improve your chances of getting your money back.

This guide explains how to identify scams on Carousell, report them in Singapore, gather the necessary evidence, and protect yourself in future transactions. Whether it is a fake listing, impersonation, or payment fraud, following these steps promptly can make a significant difference.

Understanding Carousell Scams in Singapore

Before reporting, it helps to know the types of scams commonly seen in Singapore:

• Fake listings: Attractive items at unusually low prices to lure buyers. After payment, the seller may disappear or send counterfeit goods.

• Seller does not deliver: Buyers pay for an item that never arrives, with excuses such as courier delays.

• Buyer scams: Fake payment confirmations, chargeback fraud, or returns with damaged or stolen goods.

• Delivery scams: Scammers manipulate delivery details or intercept parcels.

• Phishing and impersonation: Fraudsters impersonate Carousell support via messages, emails, or calls.

• Overpayment and refund fraud: Buyers overpay and request refunds to another account, often using stolen payment details.

• Fake payment links: Fraudulent “Carousell payment” links or QR codes that redirect to fake payment pages.

Immediate Actions to Take

Time is critical. Acting quickly increases your chances of recovering funds.

1. Preserve all evidence

   • Keep all chat transcripts and do not delete messages.

   • Save screenshots of the listing, the scammer’s profile, payment receipts, bank transfer records, and emails or messages.

   • Record timestamps and any contact details used by the scammer.

2. Stop communication

   • Do not negotiate or send more money.

   • Block the scammer on Carousell and other platforms.

3. Contact your bank or payment provider

   • For bank transfers (FAST, PayNow), call your bank’s fraud hotline immediately and request a recall or freeze.

   • For card payments, contact your card issuer to dispute the charge and provide evidence.

   • For e-wallets, report the incident to the service provider.

4. Report on Carousell

   • Use the in-app “Report” function on both the listing and the user profile.

   • Include screenshots, transaction times, amounts, and payment methods.

How to Report a Carousell Scam

1. From the listing page

• Open the listing and select “Report listing.”

• Choose the reason, such as “Scam” or “Fake listing.”

• Add detailed notes and upload evidence.

2. From the user profile

• Visit the scammer’s profile and select “Report.”

• Include a summary and attach screenshots.

3. Via the Help Centre

• Access Carousell Help Centre on the app or website.

• Submit an incident form with listing ID, username, date, and a detailed description.

• Attach supporting evidence.

4. Email support if needed

• If you do not receive a timely response, email [email protected] with your username, listing ID, and attachments.

What Carousell Can and Cannot Do

Carousell can:

• Suspend or remove scam listings and accounts.

• Provide guidance and share details if legally required.

Carousell cannot:

• Refund transactions made outside Carousell Payments.

• Retrieve money sent via bank transfers — this requires banks or police intervention.

Reporting to Singapore Authorities

1. Singapore Police Force

• File a report via the e-Services portal or visit your nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre.

• Select “Internet/Computer Crimes” and provide full evidence.

• Keep the police report number for bank disputes and insurance claims.

2. Your bank or payment provider

• Provide the police report number when requesting a recall.

• Banks may need this for FAST or PayNow transfers.

Improving Your Chances of Recovering Money

1. Act fast and document everything

2. Use precise language in reports (e.g., “FAST transfer of $450 to account ending 1234 on 12 May 2025 at 14:05; item not delivered”)

3. Follow up persistently with your bank

4. Request chargebacks for card payments

5. Dispute FAST/PayNow transfers

6. Consider civil action for larger sums through Small Claims Tribunals or legal consultation

Preventing Future Carousell Scams

For buyers:

• Meet in public, well-lit places with CCTV.

• Inspect items before paying.

• Prefer Carousell Protection or verified payments.

• Avoid paying via bank transfer or QR code without verification.

• Check seller profiles, reviews, and listing history.

For sellers:

• Verify buyer identity.

• Use tracked courier services.

• Avoid unusual payment methods or sending items before funds clear.

• Be cautious of chargeback scams.

Checklist for Reporting

• Carousell username and scammer’s username

• Listing ID and URL

• Chat logs

• Payment receipts and transaction IDs

• Date and time of payment

• Scammer contact information

• Courier tracking details

• Police report number if filed

Common Myths

• “PayNow payments cannot be recovered.” False. Fast action can sometimes recover funds.

• “Carousell will not help.” Carousell provides logs and can remove accounts, which, combined with bank and police action, improves recovery chances.

• “Small losses are not worth reporting.” Every report helps authorities detect patterns and prevent larger fraud.

Conclusion

Being scammed on Carousell can be stressful but acting fast and systematically improves your chances of recovering money. Preserve evidence, report to Carousell, your bank, and the police, and adopt preventive habits for the future.

For additional support, Scam.SG provides free templates and step-by-step checklists for reporting scams confidently in Singapore. Stay vigilant, act promptly, and help protect others by sharing your experience.

Stay smart, stay safe, stay vigilant with Scam.SG