• Today: May 14, 2026

Fraud Cases through Social Media and Communication Applications

There is an increasing trend in fraud cases involving the buying and selling of vehicles and mobile phones via social media platforms as well as fraudulent cases of supplying goods to government agencies using forged official documents.

 

The Royal Brunei Police Force, RBPF, in its press release announced that in the case of online buying and selling fraud, RBPF received reports from buyers and sellers who were deceived by suspects who advertised vehicles and mobile phones via social media platforms. The suspects used pictures of vehicles and mobile phones taken from the original seller's social media account without their knowledge. To launch the fraud, the suspects used someone else's bank account to receive payment from buyers on the grounds that the money would be transferred to the original seller, after the sale and purchase transaction was completed. However, the seller did not receive any payment and the buyer did not receive the promised goods.

 

In the case of fraudulent supply to government agencies, the suspect contacted the victim via mobile phone or WhatsApp application to place an order for goods in the name of a government project or event. To convince the victim, the suspect sent documents such as purchase orders via social media platforms, official letters or tenders containing the logo, stamp and signature of the government agency that were forged. The suspect also instructed the victim to make payments to other unknown companies to fulfil the order requirements, and this was the cause of losses experienced by some of the victim's companies. The victims only realize the fraud when they contacted the government agency directly and found that no order had been made and that the documents received were false.

 

For protection against both types of fraud, the RBPF reminds the public to take several steps. For online buyers and sellers, the public is advised not to be easily deceived by offers of prices that are too cheap or unreasonable. Any payment should be made directly to the original seller and not to any third party. Buying and selling transactions should also be done face-to-face in a safe place.

 

For business companies and suppliers who receive orders from government agencies, it is advisable to use official government platforms such as G-V-P for the procurement or supply process and to verify the validity of any orders. Companies are also reminded not to be deceived by official documents shared via WhatsApp or personal emails, and should verify via the government agency's official phone number or email before any orders are processed.

 

Anyone who has relevant information or suspects they have been a victim of fraud is advised to file a report at the nearest police station or contact the police hotline 993. Members of the public who are still involved in online buying and selling and doubt the legitimacy of an offer or supply can seek advice by contacting the police helpline at 16993 before making any payment or transaction.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : RTB NEWS

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