Synopsis: That time I wanted a new controller because my old Xbox 360 controller is not going to cut it anymore as it’s starting to rot a bit so I ordered a new one online

Average Japanese light novel name aside, around 4 years ago, I ordered an Xbox One Controller from a marketplace page of an online store that I usually go to. Nothing else weird happened. I paid THB 1990 (Around $45 at the time) (number also important later) and the controller had been working fine for years.

The Scam

Around June this year, I was loafing around on a normal day on a sofa and I got a call from a number that IS registered but I don’t know who they are. I picked up. The conversation goes something like this:

Scammer: Hello, is this [My Name]?

Me: Yes, who is this?

Scammer: I’m calling from [Online Store] and I believe you have purchased an Xbox One Controller from us before. We are calling you because there is actually a DEFECT reported on the controller that you bought.

Me: Oh? I haven’t noticed anything wrong with it. I’ve been using it for years.

Scammer: Yes, but we have received reports of a defect on the controller that you bought and we are offering a FULL REFUND for the controller.

Me, excited: Oh, that’s great! How do I get the refund?

(obviously at this point I am oblivious to the scam which is on me)

Scammer: We will need to connect you in a more direct way. Please go to LINE and add the number that’s calling you right now. We will guide you through the process.

Me: Okay, I’ll do that. Thanks.

*hangs up*

Excitedly, I did not think for a bit that this could be a scam because they KNEW my name (and I think that’s scary now that I know it IS a scam). I added the number on LINE and they immediately called me. The conversation goes something like this:

Scammer: Hello, is this [My Name]?

Me: Yes. Let’s proceed with the refund.

Scammer: Okay, we would need your bank account number to send the refund of THB 1990 to you. Please send it on LINE.

Me: Okay [sends bank account number]

(I know I am an idiot but I thought it was a legit refund because I was kinda short on money)

Scammer: Perfect, we will start the process now. Have you connected your bank account to the bank’s LINE account?

Me: Yes, I have.

Scammer: Okay, you will receive a refund request through LINE. When the message comes, please type “Refund 1990 [My Name]” in that chat.

Me: Okay.

I typed in what they said and…

Nothing happened.

At this point I was skeptical. The call is still in progress and I asked them

Me: Nothing happened.

Scammer: Oh, you need to have an account with at least that amount of money in it to receive the refund.

And at this point, I knew it was a scam because no way in hell I would have to do that. Here are the rest of the conversation:

Me: Oh, I see. I don’t have that much money in my account.

Scammer: Oh, that’s okay. You will need to borrow money from someone to receive the refund.

Me: I don’t think I can do that because I don’t have anyone to borrow money from.

Scammer: Oh, okay. Fine, we can continue this process later when you have money.

I rushed to hang up. I just got saved from being scammed by literally being broke. (what) Nothing had happened to the bank account since and I have blocked the number and the LINE account.

I went to the [online store]’s official LINE account and reported it. It was kinda funny seeing the scam alert message they sent out literally 2 minutes before I am trying to report. Here’s the exchange I had with them:

Me: I think I found a scammer pretending to be [Online Store]

OS: Good Afternoon, [Online Store] (please beware of impersonators) Admin ##### here. Happy to help you.

OS: [4 images]

• Note: These images are artistic recreation by me in order to hide potentially personal information and not to defame the store because they are not at fault here.

OS: We are deeply sorry in this matter. We are working with the authorities to crack down on this and fix the issue.

Me: It’s because they have the purchase information so it seemed more trustworthy.

Me: But it’s true that I have noticed that they are NOT the official LINE account when I added them.

Me: [image]

OS: Understood, customer.

OS: [Sticker that says “we are sorry”]

Me: I reported them.

OS: Understood.

And that’s how I narrowly avoided getting scammed. I just wanted to share this story so it serves as a warning for those who might actually fall for this. Stay safe out there.