Hong Kong woman selling electric toothbrush online loses HK$800,000 in scam

A Hong Kong woman trying to sell an electric toothbrush on a popular online marketplace fell victim to a scam that cost her HK$800,000 (US$102,370).

The victim, a 38-year-old living on Bonham Road in the Mid-Levels, had listed the item on Carousell and was approached by a supposed buyer expressing interest.

The buyer claimed the payment would be completed online and a link was provided for the transaction.

The seller clicked the link and followed the instructions and later realised HK$800,000 had been withdrawn from her account without her authorisation.

She reported the incident to police on Monday.

The case is being handled by the Western district investigation team.