Netizens Divided as Customers Face Backlash for Trusting Unknown Sellers and Seeking Discounts
A man and a woman have seemingly disappeared after failing to deliver luxury bags and watches ordered and paid for by around 200 individuals. As of last month, the couple could no longer be contacted by the customers who placed orders with them, reportedly absconding with approximately $32 million, according to a July 10 report from Shin Min Daily News.
The Chinese daily published a photo of the couple, believed to be in their late 20s or early 30s. They had convinced their customers that they were traveling to countries such as Switzerland to personally procure the goods, which allowed them to sell these luxury items at discounted prices.
In the aftermath of the couple’s disappearance, netizens have pointed fingers at the customers, attributing part of the blame to their blind trust and desire for bargains. Many expressed disbelief that individuals would hand over large sums of money to unknown sellers for luxury goods without more caution.
Among the affected customers, one man, Mr. Huang, recounted his experience to Shin Min Daily News. In 2021, he paid the couple $26,000 for a Rolex, which took a month to deliver. After verifying the watch’s authenticity, he felt confident enough to place a larger order, transferring $700,000 for six additional Patek Philippe and Rolex watches. Unfortunately, this second order was never delivered. When he inquired about his purchase two months later, he was added to a Telegram group consisting of others who had similarly placed orders without receiving their items.
Another young woman, a recent university graduate, reportedly paid over $40,000 for luxury handbags, hoping to resell them to cover her tuition loans. To date, her order remains unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Ms. Zhang, who filed a report on July 2, helped a friend order a Rolex for $20,000 two months ago, but they have yet to receive it.
Customers who shared their experiences have revealed a pattern of various excuses from the couple regarding the delays. One was told that the war in Ukraine was causing shipment issues, while another customer was informed that customs tax processing was to blame, despite being assured that their order was already in Singapore.
Recent attempts to contact the couple have proven futile, as a store registered under the man’s name in Tanjong Pagar appears to have closed, and the couple has not been seen in their usual locations around Holland Road.
As the story unfolds, netizens continue to debate the responsibilities of both the customers and the couple in this alarming case of fraud.
