The Ultimate Guide to E-Commerce Scams in Singapore: Lazada, Shopee and Carousell

Introduction

Online shopping has become part of daily life in Singapore. Platforms like Lazada, Shopee and Carousell make it simple to find bargains, compare prices and get items delivered straight to your door. But where there are convenience and money, scammers are never far behind.

This guide explains the most common e-commerce scams affecting Singapore shoppers, how they play out on Lazada, Shopee and Carousell, and the practical steps you can take to protect your money, devices and personal data.

Why Singapore shoppers are targeted by scammers

Singapore is a prime target for online fraud because of:

• High e-commerce penetration: a tech-savvy population and frequent online purchases make it lucrative for criminals.

• Trust in big platforms: many assume large marketplaces take care of verification and refunds, lowering their guard.

• Cross-border trade: overseas sellers can vanish without recourse.

• Mobile-first shopping: quick purchases on mobile devices increase the risk of falling for fake promotions or phishing links.

Common e-commerce scams and how they work

1. Fake listings and non-delivery

Scammers post tempting listings for popular items at suspiciously low prices. Once buyers pay through off-platform methods like PayNow or bank transfer, the seller disappears.

How to protect yourself: stick to official payment channels (Lazada Wallet, ShopeePay, Carousell Protection), be cautious of sellers pressuring you to transfer money directly, and report suspicious accounts immediately.

2. Counterfeit or phantom goods

Fraudsters list branded or luxury items but deliver cheap imitations.

How to protect yourself: buy only from official brand stores or verified sellers, check reviews with buyer photos, and file disputes with platforms if you receive counterfeits.

3. Phishing and fake customer service

Scammers pose as marketplace staff through email, SMS or social media, asking you to click links or provide OTPs.

How to protect yourself: never share OTPs or passwords, check sender addresses carefully, enable two-factor authentication.

4. Overpayment or refund tricks

Buyers send fake payment proofs, then claim they “overpaid” and ask for a refund. The original payment never arrives, leaving you out of pocket.

How to protect yourself: wait for official confirmation before issuing refunds, and use platform escrow services where possible.

5. Fake vouchers, discounts and delivery scams

Fraudsters promote “exclusive” vouchers or refunds through malicious links and QR codes, which can install malware or harvest payment details.

How to protect yourself: redeem vouchers only within official apps, avoid downloading APKs from third-party sources, and keep your device security software updated.

Specific tips to deal with scams on major shopping platforms

Lazada

• Look for verified seller badges.

• Use Lazada Wallet or credit card payments.

• File disputes through Lazada’s Help Centre promptly.

Shopee

• Prefer ShopeePay or in-app escrow.

• Be wary of payment links outside the platform.

• Check reviews for authentic photos and timestamps.

Carousell

• Use Carousell Protection for online transactions.

• If meeting in person, meet in public and inspect items before paying.

• Be cautious of sellers pushing you off the app.

How to report scams in Singapore

1. Report to the platform: use in-app reporting tools and provide chat history, screenshots and receipts.

2. File a police report: via police.gov.sg or at a neighbourhood post.

3. Contact your bank if money was transferred directly.

4. Submit a report to Scam.SG to raise awareness and enable others to stay safe

Practical tips to shop safely

• Research sellers and compare prices.

• Use secured payment methods or credit cards for added protection.

• Keep all conversations on the platform.

• Avoid sharing sensitive personal data.

• Inspect goods immediately and raise disputes quickly.

Real-life scam examples

• “PayNow only” trap: buyer transfers for a cheap phone and the seller vanishes.

• Bogus refund: fake bank screenshot tricks seller into sending money.

• Phishing SMS: fake delivery notice steals login credentials.

Final thoughts: shop smart, stay safe

E-commerce has made shopping easier than ever, but scams are evolving just as fast. The best defence is awareness, scepticism and safe shopping habits. Always use platform payment systems, verify sellers carefully, and report suspicious activity immediately.

For the latest scam alerts and prevention tips tailored to Singapore, visit Scam.SG. Your vigilance could protect not just your wallet, but your community too.

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