STOMPer Mayuri purchased a double stroller online but the seller later asked the STOMPer for more money to 'release her package from customs'. The STOMPer realised that the 'customs email' was the same as the seller's and advises parents to be careful when buying things online for their children.

Said the STOMPer:

"I was looking to buy a double stroller online for my baby boys when I came across this attractive ad from Gmarket. They were selling the City Mini Double Stroller by Baby Jogger for only $250. The retail price of this exact model is $999.

"Eager to purchase a double stroller for my sons, I did not bother thinking about why it was so much cheaper than the retail price and immediately purchased it with my credit card.

"On that same night, I received an email from Gmarket telling me that the seller had cancelled my order and have refunded me the payment. There was also a memo from the seller stating that they only sold bulk orders on Gmarket and that I had to email perf1853@gmail.com to place my order for single unit.

"I then thought, 'fair enough, they are selling in bulk, that's why it is cheap'. I then proceeded to email the seller directly to place my order for 1 unit.

"He then instructed me to make payment through Western Union, which I was a bit apprehensive because I did not know how it works. The receiver is a Yusuf Masitha from KL.

"The seller was quite helpful, he listed several Western Union locations near my address and instructed me on how go about it. Following his instructions, I remitted a payment of $280 the following day. After which, the seller told me he would prepare my order for shipment.

"To my horror, I received the following email (refer to pic 3) after I asked for the tracking number. I realised immediately that I have been conned because that so-called 'customs email' matches the one in the seller's info at Gmarket.

"Not only was he not able to provide me any tracking number, he insisted that I pay up the 'release fee' soon otherwise I would incur extra charges.

"I made a police report immediately after that. Disappointingly, I was advised by the officer who took down my statement that the police will not be able to help me to recover the money.

"Not only did I not get the stroller for my boys, I lost $280. Parents are easy preys because we will do anything for our children. Let us be more cautious and not fall prey to the exploits of these scam artists."