6 Steps to Spot E-Commerce Scammers

I’m sure everyone has hobbies in their free time. Mine just so happens to be collecting 1/64 scale die-cast cars (Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Mini GT). Today I will be sharing with you how I’ve managed to weed out some scammers.

Not to throw any e-commerce platforms under the bus, and understandably they have a lot on their plate and simply don’t have the time to root out every scammer posing as a seller. Most C2C platforms, even trusted ones, are lurking with people looking to make a quick buck from an unsuspecting victim.

I will be using my experience with my hobbies as a frame of reference, however, this can apply to any sort of buyer out there, whether it's the new Labubu craze, PS5s, old currency, etc.

1. Do your research

Above we have the infamous Hot Wheels 2012 Super Treasure Hunt Ferrari 599XX. You might be shocked at its price, how can a single Hot Wheel, which typically goes for RM10 in retail go for 10x its value in the aftermarket? For that, we will need context.

Mattel (the owners of Hot Wheels and Matchbox) decided to release a chase segment in their 2008 basic range called “Super Treasure Hunts”. These pieces were much, much rarer than regular cars, and featured better paint details as well as rubber tires. It was an instant hit, with some pieces reaching astronomical prices in the collector aftermarket.

The Ferrari 599XX above is significant for many reasons. Firstly, it’s rare. Secondly, it is a Ferrari. Dedicated hobbyists have long known that Ferrari and Mattel have cut ties since 2015, thus causing EVERY single Ferrari model Hot Wheels has made to shoot up in value. Thirdly, it is a piece that can be considered vintage by now. These all add up to the insane prices you see,

In addition to that, Malaysia has a very crazy scalper scene that will jump at any opportunity for an overhyped model and triple/quadruple its price on the aftermarket, leaving casual collectors with scraps.

As much as I like the car, I don’t think burning my wallet on that is feasible, at least for now. As we have established, a collector piece like that typically goes for the RM1k range.

2. Is the price too good to be true?

Up next we have the same Ferrari 599XX at a ridiculously low price. Tempting. If you are as passionate about collecting like I am, this seems like an offer I shouldn’t pass up on. But wait, isn’t that price a little too low?

3. Ask for photos from the seller

Naturally in this situation, you don’t want to jump the gun immediately. You want to find out if this seller is really the real deal. Always try to have a quick chat with a seller on these types of offers, like I did.

I was met with a string of automated replies, saying that they couldn’t offer more photos as the item had already been packed. So I went on to ask if I could see the package, still the same automated replies. Occasionally, the e-commerce platform would transfer me to a “real” seller, who was equally as unhelpful. Big red flags.

4. Check shop ratings

The next step is to check shop ratings. Now this seller has none. Even more suspicious. There are some scammers with a decent shop rating where this rule doesn’t apply, so you will have to go through the individual ratings.?

Now this looks like a decent seller, they’ve got a reasonable rating, and they even have a “Preferred” tag. Let’s say I’m in the mood to buy the pink car. Let’s have a look at his ratings to see what other people have purchased before.

Oh dear, the first review already hits us with 1 star warning. These past purchases also have nothing to do with what I’m looking for.

5. Inspect shop items

Combined with too-good-to-be-true offers, make sure you peek at what else the seller is offering. I’ve encountered some of these shady deals where the items in the shop are a far cry from what I actually want (e.g. airsoft parts, car parts, paints). Not saying sellers can’t diversify, but the truth is everyone wants to make a profit. Why undersell a rare collectors item by a huge margin?

6. Report suspicious accounts

It is every consumer's duty to report these potential scam accounts, so that 1) the platform can get a better idea of what to look out for, and 2) to protect future unsuspecting buyers.