Hacker causing FB user endless misery

KOTA TINGGI: A sales assistant has been getting unwanted calls after her Facebook account was maliciously used by someone else to make online purchases and post false advertisements.

Cheong Mui Hiong, 33, said she began receiving parcel deliveries to her home in early June although she did not place such orders.

These parcels, typically arriving while she was at work, made her father suspicious.

“My father, who was at home, would call me to check whether I purchased anything as the courier would ask for payment for the cash-on-delivery (COD) items.

“I have gotten four of such deliveries, and each time, the courier would ask for RM300 to RM1,300 for each item.

“I refused to accept the parcels or pay for them because I never placed the orders,” she said in an interview.

As a result, Cheong said her Facebook account, telephone number, photo and name were blacklisted by online sellers who named and shamed her publicly for apparently being a “joy buyer”.

The term refers to those who order products using the COD option but reject the items upon delivery purely for amusement.

Cheong added that her compromised Facebook account was also used to advertise ehailing services, leading to numerous calls from strangers.

“When I clarified that I was not offering such services, some callers became upset, accusing me of putting up fake advertisements.

“On June 13, my friend noticed that my photo was also misused by someone to sell fruits.

“I immediately left a comment to clarify that it was not me who made the post.

“Although I did not face any monetary losses from this, I still feel helpless and stressed.

“I am also constantly getting disturbed by unwanted calls while at work,” Cheong said.

She lodged a police report on June 19 and sought assistance from the Johor MCA Youth public services and complaints bureau.

Henry Mok, the bureau chief, hopes the police can help Cheong identify the perpetrator.

“Experienced online sellers should verify buyers’ identities before sending out orders, especially for COD items, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings,” he said.

“This is to safeguard both the buyers and sellers.”

A police official confirmed that the report had been received and assured that the matter was being investigated.