In a shocking incident that highlights the growing prevalence of online scams, a 67-year-old former teacher from Jertih, Besut, Terengganu, lost over RM80,000 after falling victim to a fraudulent TikTok Shop scheme. Besut Police Chief Supt Azamuddin Ahmad@Abu disclosed the details of the case on May 7, 2025, revealing how the victim was lured into the scam.
The ordeal began on April 27, when the victim received an enticing offer via Facebook to open an online business on TikTok Shop. The scammers requested sensitive personal information, including a copy of the victim's MyKad and a selfie for account registration. Once the alleged TikTok Shop was supposedly set up, the victim was asked to make an initial capital deposit to fund the online shop.
Initially, the victim received a small return from this deposit, which led him to believe in the legitimacy of the operation. Encouraged by this initial success, he went on to deposit further capital. In total, he made 13 transactions to seven different bank accounts provided by the scammer, ultimately amounting to RM82,600.
However, the victim's confidence began to wane after making his final transaction on May 4, 2025. The suspect continued to request more capital, raising red flags in the victim's mind. Upon further scrutiny, he discovered that the TikTok Shop was likely a fraud, as transactions were conducted in USD and although the system registered many orders, no payments had ever been received.
Realizing he had been duped, the victim lodged a police report on May 5, 2025. The case is currently under investigation, with authorities looking into it under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
In light of this incident, authorities are warning the public about the risks of online scams. TikTok and TikTok Shop have reiterated that they will never ask users or merchants to download their apps via external links or APK files. Users are advised to only download the official apps through TikTok's official website or recognized platforms such as the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Microsoft Store.
Meanwhile, as scams continue to proliferate, the online retail landscape remains vibrant. On the same day the police report was filed, Mr. Fredy Chia, a 28-year-old Singaporean, conducted a six-hour live sale for the Chinese skincare brand IEM in celebration of its 15th anniversary. The event, which began at 5:55 PM, was meticulously planned months in advance, showcasing the growing trend of live commerce in the region.
As Mr. Chia tapped into the live function on his smartphone, viewers began to trickle in, marking the start of an engaging online shopping experience. The popularity of such live sales reflects a significant shift in consumer behavior, particularly among younger demographics who favor interactive and engaging shopping formats.
While Mr. Chia's event was a testament to the booming online retail sector, it also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital marketplace. As more consumers turn to online platforms for shopping, the need for vigilance against scams becomes increasingly critical.
The juxtaposition of the TikTok Shop scam and the successful live sale by IEM illustrates the dual nature of the online world—where opportunities abound, so too do risks. As authorities continue to crack down on fraudulent schemes, consumers are urged to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging in online transactions.
In conclusion, the rise of scams like the TikTok Shop incident underscores the importance of awareness and education in the digital age. Consumers must remain informed and skeptical to protect themselves from potential fraud, ensuring that their online shopping experiences are safe and secure.
