• Today: August 8, 2026

Online scams cost victims over BND12,000, police warn public

Victims of online scams have lost more than BND12,000 to fraudulent loan and e-commerce schemes involving several social media accounts, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) warned on Friday.

RBPF said investigations into reports received so far found that victims lost an estimated BND4,270 to fake loan schemes operated through Facebook accounts, while e-commerce scams involving TikTok and Instagram accounts resulted in losses of about BND8,220.

The police identified several Facebook accounts allegedly linked to loan scams, including Finance Solution Bn, Niaga Loan Berjaya, Gazebo Klasik Brunei, Successful and Trustworthy Online Loan, and Fast Privacy Niaga Berjaya.

For online shopping scams, RBPF identified several social media accounts suspected of being used to deceive victims, including Prelovedgarmin.bn and Pre-Owned Garmin Brunei on TikTok, as well as Runess.my.bn, Runess.sports, chronorun.bn and nextgen_garmin on Instagram.

According to RBPF, scammers typically lure victims by offering loans with easy approval and minimal requirements, or advertising goods at unusually attractive prices.

Victims are then asked to make deposits or upfront payments, often described as processing fees, legal charges, insurance fees, fund release charges or security deposits, before the loan can be approved or purchases can proceed.

After receiving payment, the scammers either demand additional fees or cut off communication without providing the promised loans or goods.

RBPF advised the public not to make deposits or advance payments to individuals or companies whose authenticity cannot be verified.

Members of the public are also urged to check the identity and credibility of sellers or lenders before carrying out transactions, and to be cautious of offers that appear too good to be true, such as easily approved loans or prices significantly below market rates.

Those asked to make suspicious additional payments should immediately stop the transaction and seek advice.

RBPF urged anyone with information on such activities, or those who have fallen victim to scams, to lodge a report at the nearest police station or contact the Anti-Scam Helpline at 16993 for further assistance.

The force said public cooperation remains crucial in combating cyber fraud and preventing more people from falling victim to scam syndicates.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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