In a disheartening tale of deception and financial setback, a young member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stationed in Abuja has fallen prey to a crafty Instagram vendor operating under the username @wholesale.gadgets.store. The victim, an aspiring iPhone vendor, shares his distressing experience to caution others and seek justice.
On December 28, 2023, the victim received an order for two iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB from a friend. Despite the friend’s budget of N570,000 Naira per phone – a figure already below market standards – the victim reluctantly agreed, placing the total order value at N1,140,000 Naira. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the victim noticed an alert of N1,160,000 Naira in his GTBank account (Account Number: 0504050243).
Complicating matters further, the victim, in good faith, refunded 15,000 Naira to the friend as a gesture of goodwill. Subsequently, the victim proceeded to purchase the iPhones from the seemingly legitimate supplier, @wholesale.gadgets.store, who claimed to be running a Christmas sales promotion, offering the iPhones for 550,000 Naira each – totaling 1,100,000 Naira.
Despite initial reservations about an offer for a brand-new iPhone 12 Pro Max at 450,000 Naira, the victim was convinced of the supplier’s legitimacy. The Instagram account boasted over 50,000 followers, presented a professional image with walk-in shop receipts, and overall, created a genuine impression.
Upon transferring 1 million Naira to the company account provided on Instagram, the victim encountered unexpected obstacles. The supplier claimed that their boss vetoed the payment method, insisting on using GIG Logistics for the transaction. Consequently, the victim sent the remaining balance of 104,000 Naira to the company account in Sterling Bank (Account Number: 8513743738) under the name Wholesale Store Ng Company Ltd.
Since that ill-fated day, the victim has neither received the iPhones nor received any response from the Instagram vendor, who shockingly blocked the victim on the platform. However, investigations reveal that the account remains active, potentially exposing the magnitude of this fraudulent operation.
Efforts to seek justice have proven futile. Despite approaching the police station in Maitama and the EFCC office in Wuse 2, the victim faced reluctance and bureaucratic red tape. Even with a comprehensive petition, complete with screenshots and evidence of financial transactions, there has been no assistance.
Burdened with the responsibility of repaying the customer who ordered the iPhones, the victim is reaching out to fellow Nigerians for support and to raise awareness about the deceptive practices of @wholesale.gadgets.store. Attached are pictures and evidence substantiating the victim’s claims.
This alarming case not only underscores the imperative need for heightened vigilance in online transactions but also sheds light on the challenges individuals encounter when seeking justice within the Nigerian legal system. Nigerians are strongly urged to exercise caution and be wary of @wholesale.gadgets.store on Instagram, as it appears to be a significant scam with over 50,000 followers.
Details of the scammer:
Account Name: Wholesale Store Ng Company Ltd
Account Number: 8513743738
Bank: Sterling Bank
Source: Nairaland/authority2345
