WeChat Scam Alert: Beware of Misdelivered Goods in Online Shopping!

CNBC AI News – August 4th – A new twist in the ever-evolving world of telecom scams: beware of misplaced merchandise in your online shopping!

WeChat has issued a warning today, shedding light on a sophisticated new fraud targeting online shoppers. The scheme involves scammers deliberately sending the wrong items, then using QR codes to lure victims into contacting a “customer service” representative, ultimately leading to phishing scams.

How the Scam Works:

1. Scammers establish online storefronts on e-commerce platforms, selling common goods like toys and household items. Once an order is placed, they intentionally send the wrong product or a low-quality substitute to trigger a customer service interaction.

2. Buyers are then instructed to scan a QR code included in the package to contact “customer support” for after-sales service. The goal is to pull victims away from the protective environment of the e-commerce platform for direct communication, setting the stage for the scam.

3. Some buyers, following instructions, scan the code and add the fake “customer service” contact. Others, seeking a quicker resolution, request a refund directly. At this point, the scammer often employs lines like, “Oops, warehouse mistake! We have subsidies!” or “You can apply for compensation for the wrong shipment, even higher than a refund!” to further entice the buyer to scan the QR code.

4. Once the buyer adds the “customer service” contact, the scammer begins by offering compensation. This typically involves directing the buyer to download an app through a browser. Then, through seemingly enticing opportunities like “task completion for rewards” or “profitable investments,” coupled with scare tactics – “account freeze” or “legal action” – the scammer then induces the victim to transfer funds.

WeChat advises that any needs for after-sales service should be processed through the official customer service channels present on the shopping platform to avoid being taken advantage of.

Don’t fall victim to the scam. Do not trust promises of excessively large compensation, requests to complete tasks for rewards, or other related ploys. Instead, do not prepay for participating in activities such as pay-for-performance or investments.