“Online Shopping”, no longer new to us, it is an electronic commerce platform which allows consumers to directly purchase goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser or a mobile app. Consumers look for products of their interest by visiting the website of the retailer directly or by searching among alternative sellers using a shopping search engine, which displays the same product’s availability and pricing at different e-retailers.
When we do online shopping, it is all about convenience as we do not need to step out of our house. While it has become an increasingly popular option for the consumers to save time and money, it has also attract the cyber criminals who aim innocent and careless consumers as “scam targets”.
Usually when the “scammers” successfully executed their evil plan and received payment from the consumers, they will disappear or even block the consumers from keeping in touch with them. As we know, there is nothing much the helpless consumers can do when this happens.
This made us as the consumers, fear of getting into the trap when we shop online. So have you wondered that is there any way to verify the identity of the seller before buying things online?
How to verify suspicious bank account or phone number?
Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has introduced “Semak Mule” online application and website in January 2019 in order to assist the public to identify accounts used by scammers in order to avoid becoming victims.
1. Open a browser.
2. Type in “Semak Mule” and click “CCID Portal“.
3. Choose the option “Bank Account Number” or “Phone Number” and insert the details.
4. Example with the search result.
In any event that the suspicious bank account or phone number has ever been reported, be smart and careful, you know what to do! You should consider whether to continue the transaction with such seller.
The Semak Mule application can be downloaded via Google Playstore.
The CCID and PDRM also urged those who are victims of online scams or cheating cases to come forward and lodge police reports, so that they can discover the accounts used by the scammers and list them in the database of Semak Mule.
Be smart to protect yourself!
For other information, please click and visit http://www.yeepartners.com.my
Disclaimer:
The information published in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute any legal advice from Messrs. Yee & Partners. Feel free to seek legal advice from our professional lawyers.