CIB uncovers fraud case on social network website
The China Post news staff
February 5, 2014, 12:14 am TWN
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) recently uncovered a fraud case in which two suspects set up a Facebook group that promised discounted prices but failed to deliver merchandise.
Two suspects, surnamed Wang and Lin, set up a Facebook group about four years ago, allowing consumers to purchase merchandise at discounted prices by placing orders in batches. Sales were often launched on the platform to entice consumers. The group offered merchandise including milk powder, diapers and other baby products. Mothers comprised the majority of members in the group.
However, starting in the latter half of 2013, some members did not receive their products after they had paid for them. They then contacted Wang and Lin, who used various excuses to avoid answering consumer's inquiries before they became completely unreachable. Group members then reported the case to local police stations.
The CIB collaborated with Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office and Pingtung County Police Bureau and seized evidence including group member data and computers used by the suspects. Wang and Lin have been interrogated by prosecutors and are currently under investigation for fraud.
The bureau said that consumers should place online orders only through platforms that support secure transaction mechanisms.
