While technology and e-commerce brings numerous benefits to the masses, technology too can be twisted, moulded and put to use to harm others. This is exactly what has been happening with some buyers looking to purchase products online on OLX.
Individuals posing as credible sellers of various products have been posting pictures of items and are luring in buyers by posting very low and tempting prices for these goods.
When these buyers are contacted they state that they are out of town and ask for money to be transferred to their bank account or sent through easypaisa, mobicash, and other such services.
These individuals then promise to deliver the goods once the payment is received; however, they disappear once the payment is made.
One such story of an individual being ripped of in such a way is on OLX right now. According to this individual, he sent a laptop seller money but never received the product. To warn other potential buyers of this fraud he has shared the CNIC and mobile number of the person allegedly carrying out these activities.
This information as presented by this individual is given below for your benefit.
CNIC: 35202-4658257-5
Cell # 0322-2208878
Cell # 0332-4220868
Cell # 0320-3390973
With the recently drafted cyber crime bill we might be able to see a drop in such instances. On your part you can ensure that you do not send money to anyone without first receiving the item you are looking to buy.
OLX and all other such websites are accessible to everyone out there as they are just platforms to enable buyers and sellers to meet. Such websites and blogs do not ensure that advertisements being placed on their websites are from an authentic seller.
Be extra careful when a product is being sold at a considerably lower price as compared to its market value, for instance don’t expect an i5 Laptop for Rs. 19,000 only. It is your responsibility to carefully vet both the individual selling the product and the product being sold before paying anything.