Crabs for 9.99—More Like a Noodle Scam
Whoever says those two crabs for just $9.99 are a deal is probably chasing a sandworm.
Police Snap the Picture of a Social‑Media Phish
- On July 28, the Singapore Police Force shared that over $15,000 had slipped through the fingers of unsuspecting customers.
- Pop‑up ads swam around the feeds of people scrolling through TikTok and Facebook, featuring spots named “Crabber Resto” and “Jack Crab Resto.”
- These “restaurants” promised cheap crustacean bargains—so cheap, you’d think the fish were free.
- Instead, the trick was to reel in your card details. Victims were asked to enter their credit or debit card number and confirm the One‑Time Password (OTP) sent to the on‑screen page.
- When the shrimp didn’t appear, the only thing that delivered was a subscription on your bank account, because the scam artists had dispatched the unauthorized charges.
Why Even a Dry Sale of Crabs Matters
Think back to April’s case, when a man lost roughly $18,000 to a similar timing-out scam selling crabs at a ridiculously low price. The result? An empty platter and a bruised wallet.
Not Just a Crab Con
Besides the food crime, it’s a digital burglarie. The scammers listed themselves as reputable eateries, making their front a perfect lure for anyone hungry for a bargain.
What You Should Do If These Ads Pop Up:
- Never share personal banking info or OTPs. Think of it as saying no to a stranger with a fancy crab costume.
- If you notice an odd transaction on your statement, contact your bank pronto and cancel the compromised card.
- Report any suspicious activity to the police hotline at 1800‑255‑0000 or use the i‑Witness website to file an online tip.
- For broader scam alert resources, visit the scam alert website or call the Anti‑Scam Hotline: 1800‑722‑6688.
Heads Up From the Social Media Community
On July 24, TikTok user Melissa Wix posted a video warning others to steer clear of these “crab” deals. She’s one of the many who realized the appetite for scammers grows larger than any crustacean market.
Stay sharp, folks. If you think you’ve found a bargain, double‑check that it’s not just a baiting trick that’ll leave your account empty—like the shell of a crab. Happy, safe scrolling!
