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Watch out for these supposed Online Tech stores

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Editor’s Note: Originally posted on arstlemedia.com

UPDATE (June 13, 2021, 02:49 PM PHT): Added screenshot of customer scammed by FutureTechPH

Pandemic has caught many tech-junkies and average tech consumers with high prices, especially for graphics cards and processors. Some stores have been kind enough to sell these kinds of hardware at an affordable price, even though they cost more than the suggested retail price. While some had taken advantage of this supposed “affordable price” and rip consumers’ wallets.

We remind everyone to pick COD or Store pickup when availing of high-priced peripherals. If there is no option for Cash-on-delivery or store pickup, check if the page or shop is reputable and can show proof of legality or store ownership.

To help other consumers of tech, we’ve listed known scam shops with their descriptions and valid evidence to address the claim. Always check this page for updates.

If you find more scam tech stores, leave a message on our Facebook page.

List of Scam Stores / Pages

Future-Tech's store Front | FutureTechPH

1. Future Tech

Facebook Page: removed (previous pages FutureTechAARR, FutureTechPH) Facebook Page ID: (previous ID 2024415090921379) Email Address: futuretechaarr@gmail.com

They offer on stock “limited” items and only offers payment-first option. Also, we can’t find a physical store to visit or to check out.

Description of Future Tech on their Facebook page.

According to a Facebook post, this page was allegedly operated before as JMS store, which turned out to be a scam store also.

Validated Claims:

  1. The store has posted an image of a box filled with GTX 1660 super similar to what the JMS store has posted on their Facebook page.

Box filled with GTX 1660 Super

  1. Many fake or dummy Facebook accounts have been vouching for the store.
  2. The store uses other stores’ proof of sale such as pictures with a driver from a courier service.
  3. Many users were scammed by the store.

Screenshot of a chat with Future TechFacebook Post. “Na scam kami ng future tech kahapon 😭😭😭😭”

Not validated claims (for checking):

Note: We will use the word “allegedly” multiple times until we verify these details. Apologies.

  1. The Page owners allegedly buy Facebook Page with many likes and change the name to become an Online Tech store of some sort.
  2. They are allegedly using customers’ transaction information from other retailers and uses them as proof of transaction for their own sake.
  3. They are allegedly using Facebook Ads to engage users to buy at their store.

2. JMS Gadget Tech

Facebook Page: reported and removed Facebook Page ID: removed Email Address: removed

The store offers peripherals at a lower priced compared to some local stores here in the Philippines.

The page was replicating the store JM Store Philippines to scam other people. JM Store Philippines is the official store of JMS Gadget Shop located in Theater Mall, Greenhills, San Juan City, Philippines.

Facebook Post.

Before availing of their low-priced peripherals, the customer will need to follow this “3-step” process.

  1. Submit Two Valid IDs. Do NOT ever give your personal IDs online.
  2. Complete the Application form
  3. Wait for 10 minutes for the result
  4. If approved, pay the Downpayment
  5. Submit Proof of downpayment
  6. The store will process the order
  7. The store will ship the order

They will also ask your of your personal details such as:

  1. Name.
  2. Address.
  3. Work Address. Why would a store ask your for your work address? Even if you buy it using the company money, why would the store ask the address upfront? I know that this is for customers who availed an Installment plan but should the store direct you to the Installment agency instead?
  4. Shipping Address.
  5. Contact Number.
  6. Occupation. Same sentiments as for the Work Address. For installment purposes.
  7. Source of Income. Same sentiments as for the Work Address. For installment purposes.
  8. Age.
  9. Brand Unit.
  10. Parents’ Full Name. Again, why would a store ask for your parents’ full name?

Validated claims:

  1. Same with Future Tech, the store is using the same image of a box with filled GTX 1660 super inside.
  2. They are selling “limited” stocked items in their store and only offers online bank transfer and e-wallets as the modes of payment.
  3. Their page was originally named Arf.
  4. Once the order has been processed, the store will block the customer’s account.

Facebook Post.

Updates

June 13, 2021

  • 02:49 PM PHT – Added screenshot of customer scammed by FutureTechPH
  • 01:20 PM PHT – FutureTechPH’s Facebook Page was removed.

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