Scammers use Shein to bait victims
SOUTH African investigators have warned local customers to be extra vigilant while making virtual payments, as global online shopping platform Shein became the latest place for scammers to bait victims.
Antoinette Coetser, from the firm Mike Bolhuis Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent and Serious Economic Crimes, said the scam had been orchestrated through a portal called Kitchen Style, where shoppers were lured via messages on social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook telling them they had won a shopping voucher from Chinese company Shein.
“Once the shopper clicks on the suspicious link provided to claim their voucher, the scammer accesses the shopper’s Shein account. If you have bought from Shein before, there’s no reason for you to suspect anything untoward.”
Coetser said once the scammer had access to a shopper’s account, they were able to access their bank card details and money was deducted from the account.
“Small amounts are deducted from the shopper’s account at first. This is to not arouse any suspicion. Then the amounts get bigger, but still under R500. However, deductions can be made more than once.”
The shopper also did not receive any message from Shein or Kitchen Style about the deduction.
“What is alarming is that no notifications that a deduction has been made are sent from the bank either, with most shoppers only realising days later that money is missing from their account. The banks have no explanation for this, but they are investigating. We have been unable to get hold of Shein yet, but we are hoping to do so soon.”
Coetser urged shoppers to monitor their bank accounts regularly.
“Shoppers are urged to monitor their bank accounts closely and to report such incidents to the Fraud Department at their bank as soon as (anything suspicious) is noticed.
“To try to prevent such fraudulent transactions from happening, do not save any bank account information or card details on any online shopping app. Most importantly, do not click on links. This is how the scammers access all our information.”
Specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis said the escalation in cybercrime had been immense.
“Things are getting out of hand, especially on TikTok and where it is hard to identify, track and trace people. These investigations are a challenge.
“People need to be vigilant and be aware of all forms of communication. Never pay something unless you have done a thorough, in-depth evaluation, identification, risk analysis investigation. This is much more than just calling a friend,” he said.
Coetser urged other victims of the scam to come forward and to contact her on 082 319 4751, or antoinettec@ mikebolhuis.co.za, or contact Mike Bolhuis Investigators on 082 447 6116 or email mike@mikebolhuis.co.za for assistance.