What You Need to Know About the Gadget Enabler Scam

1. What is a Gadget Enabler Scam?

The Gadget Enabler Scam is a fraudulent scheme that recruits individuals (known as "gadget enablers") to advertise electronic products on social media, with the promise of high commissions. These enablers act as intermediaries, directing potential buyers to WhatsApp or Telegram for payment, where they claim to be selling on behalf of a legitimate company or supplier.

Another definition to further emphasize the modus:

A gadget enabler scam is a type of scam where fraudsters offer discounted or free gadgets (such as smartphones, tablets, or other electronics) under false pretenses, often as part of a fake promotion, giveaway, or investment scheme. In these scams, the victim is typically lured in by an attractive offer, and the fraudster asks for a small payment upfront to "enable" the gadget delivery, cover shipping, or other fees.

Here are the key elements of a gadget enabler scam:

• False Promises: Scammers promise high-value electronics at an unbelievably low price or as a reward for participating in a fake promotion or survey.
• Upfront Fees: Victims are asked to pay small fees for activation, shipping, taxes, or other “processing” charges to unlock the gadget. In some cases, they may be asked to provide personal or financial information.
• No Delivery: After the payment is made, the promised gadget is never delivered, or victims receive low-quality or counterfeit products, far from what was advertised.
• Payment Fraud: In some cases, scammers might steal the victim's credit card or banking information during the payment process, leading to further financial losses.

It’s important to be cautious of any deals that seem too good to be true, especially if payment is required upfront for shipping or enabling a product delivery.

2. How does the scam work?

• Recruitment of Enablers: Scammers attract individuals with offers of high commissions for advertising electronics online.
• Social Media Ads: The enablers post ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, advertising popular electronics like smartphones or laptops.
• WhatsApp or Telegram Transactions: Buyers are directed to WhatsApp or Telegram for payment. The enabler claims to be selling the items on behalf of a company or supplier.
• Payment: Both enablers and buyers are tricked into paying for goods that never arrive.

Here are some sample images of how Gadget Enabler Scam works on Carousell. So stay alert and safe!

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

3. Who are the victims?

• Gadget Enablers: These individuals are by promises of high commissions and are often required to pay upfront for products, which are never delivered. They unknowingly participate in the scam, thinking they're working for a legitimate business.
• Buyers: The potential buyers are also victims, as they pay for electronics they never receive.

4. What is the role of the enablers?

Gadget enablers act as middlemen. They think they are working for a legitimate business by advertising products and directing buyers to purchase, but they are actually being used by a criminal syndicate to carry out the scam.

5. Why do both enablers and buyers lose money?

• Enablers lose money when they are asked to pay for electronics upfront, believing they are part of a legitimate transaction.
• Buyers are tricked into sending payments for products that are never shipped, and since the enablers are not in control of the operation, the products never arrive.

6. Who is behind this scam?

The entire operation is run by a criminal syndicate that uses enablers as middlemen to extend the reach of their scam. They take advantage of enablers' trust and willingness to earn commissions, while buyers are deceived into thinking they are making legitimate purchases.

7. How can you protect yourself from this scam?

• Research the legitimacy of the company or supplier before agreeing to sell or buy anything.
• Avoid paying upfront for products unless you are dealing with a verified and well-known business.
• Be cautious of high-commission offers that seem too good to be true.
• Verify communication channels, especially if asked to transact via WhatsApp or Telegram instead of official company websites.

8. What should you do if you think you've been scammed?

• Stop communication immediately. Do not send any more money or personal information.
• Report the scam to local authorities and carousell’s support center to immediately take action on the account
• Warn others by sharing your experience to prevent more victims from falling into the same trap.

9. Can gadget enablers be held responsible?

While gadget enablers are also victims of the scam, they may unintentionally be complicit in fraudulent activities. It’s important for enablers to immediately stop participating once they realize the operation is a scam and report the activity to the authorities.

By understanding how the Gadget Enabler Scam works, both enablers and potential buyers can avoid falling victim to this syndicate. Always research and verify any offers that seem too good to be true!