Since the implementation of the MCO, most Malaysians have developed new interests with plants.
All over social media, we see people buying plants to decorate their homes, and even go the extra mile to grow their own bean sprouts, chilies, curry leaves, serai, and other vegetables and herbs used for cooking.
Photo via Facebook Kelab Peminat Aroid ( Caladium, Aglaonema, Alocasia, Colocasia Dll)
...and as it continues to be a trending hobby among Malaysians, we must be aware of scammers that have recently emerged. Their new modus operandi is creating fake social media accounts then try to scam Malaysians into “buying” the plants from them!
One user on Facebook, Zee Max Pemborong shared on their page of one “plant seller” that appeared to be responding to customers' questions about the plants they were selling.
Her caption wrote: “Be careful, friends, with this seller because I was cheated yesterday. I’d like to give information on the person who got me to bank in money to them”
Photo via Facebook Kelab Peminat Aroid ( Caladium, Aglaonema, Alocasia, Colocasia Dll)
She explained that once customers agree to buy their plants and after they’ve transferred the money, the “seller” will immediately block them and change their profile picture and name.
Another user, Clif Wong shared their own personal experience being scammed by another “plant seller”: “I was scammed by a seller in this group, and the person already deactivated their Facebook account and blocked me on their WhatsApp. Though I didn’t lose too much money, it still made me feel bad.”
“I’ve included the scammers’ account number so that everyone else will not fall for their scams” they added.
Photo via Facebook Kelab Peminat Aroid ( Caladium, Aglaonema, Alocasia, Colocasia Dll)
So if you’re buying plants, just go to an actual nursery or if you’re buying online, don’t buy from dodgy accounts and make sure that the seller is real!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
