Scam Alert: Fake Facebook Page Exploits Plaza Singapura's Name to Sell Labubu Dolls
2024-11-14
Author: Wei
Overview
A fraudulent Facebook page falsely claiming to represent Plaza Singapura has been reported to authorities after it gained notoriety for promoting discounted Labubu dolls. The page urged eager shoppers to click on a link to buy the trendy plush toys, specifically “The Monsters Fall In Wild Series” – a sought-after limited edition from Pop Mart.
Deceptive Practices
The scam page featured an image purportedly showing a bustling crowd lined up outside a toy store, falsely suggesting that customers waited as long as six hours at Plaza Singapura to grab the coveted dolls on November 11. However, the authenticity of this photo has come into question, as it does not seem to originate from Singapore.
Pricing Tactics
To stoke demand, the page claimed that due to "unexpectedly high demand," not all customers waiting in line managed to purchase the dolls, and it provided a link offering prices of $89 each. This deal is enticing when compared with the official price of $109.90 on the Pop Mart website, where the doll is currently sold out. Resellers are taking advantage, listing the plush figures for up to $200.
Cultural Influence
The surge in interest for Labubu dolls can be traced back to South Korean girl group Blackpink's member Lisa, who posted photos with the figure back in April, sparking a global frenzy among fans and collectors alike.
Phishing Warning
In a deceptive twist, the scam page included a link asserting that "Pop Mart Plaza Singapura" would host an online sale on its official website, where customers could still enjoy promotional rates. However, clicking the link led to a site prompting users to enter their personal details, raising warnings about phishing.
Official Response
On November 14, a spokesperson for Plaza Singapura confirmed awareness of fraudulent accounts impersonating the mall on social media. "We want to stress that these accounts are not affiliated with Plaza Singapura or CapitaLand in any capacity. We have reported this to Meta and have filed a police report,” he stated. Meta oversees popular platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Safety Advice
Shoppers are strongly advised to exercise caution and verify information through official channels. Plaza Singapura encourages everyone to visit their legitimate website for accurate updates on events and promotions.
Conclusion
Stay alert: Don't fall victim to online scams! Follow our tips to shop safely and protect your personal information when shopping for your favorite collectibles.