Before transacting on Carousell, I have two criteria to determine trustworthiness. Firstly, I check the account's join date, preferably over 2 years, the longer, the better, as scam accounts are likely terminated within a year or two. Next, I look at reviews, ideally more than 10 with a 4 or 5 stars rating.
With these criteria, I've had no issues until recently. I found Jonathan Tan's listing selling a Google Nest wifi router. He joined Carousell 8 years and 10 months ago and has 62 5-star reviews!
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/c4545e2ae1-1710940232/96995110-jonathan-tan-dishonest-seller-01.jpeg)
Jonathan Tan's Carousell account (@tan.ah.jon.shop)
Given my past experience, I considered his account highly trusted, so I transferred the money before receiving the product, something I never do. However, that's not where the dishonesty lies.
Here's the story:
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/1f824dc00c-1710940233/96995110-carousell-jonathan-tan-listing-02.jpeg)
The Carousell listing
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/2324cd5091-1710940233/96995110-carousell-tan-ah-jon-shop-listing-03.jpeg)
Listing description
I made an offer of $100 for the product, and he agreed in writing, but he never clicked on the "accept offer" button on Carousell. Without this action, neither he nor I can give a review. That was my mistake; I should have ensured he did that before proceeding further.
Anyway, I arranged for Grab Express to collect and deliver the product to my house. I transferred the full amount to him before the Grab rider arrived. Everything went well, except when I asked him to accept my offer so we could exchange reviews, he did not respond. This raised a red flag for me. While I sensed a warning sign, I didn't dwell on it too much since I had already made the payment and received the product. Excitedly, I went home, eager to test the product.
I was able to add the Google Nest wifi router, and it is working properly. However, when I tried to add the add-on point for signal extension, it asked for a QR code, which I couldn't find. The alternative option was to enter an 8-digit setup code, which also did not exist at the bottom of the device.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/236333742a-1710940233/96995110-tan-ah-jon-shop-dishonest-04.jpeg)
There isn't a QR code to scan
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/1e0c9c34bc-1710940233/96995110-tan-ah-jon-shop-dishonest-05.jpeg)
There is no setup code either
I contacted Google support, but unfortunately, they informed me that there is no way to obtain the QR code or setup code. Their only solution is to offer a one-to-one replacement if the product was purchased within a year. What a serious design flaw this is. Clearly, this resale product is already out of warranty, leaving me with what feels like a white elephant. It's akin to buying a safe without the seller providing the password.
Naturally, I reached out to the "trustworthy" Carousell seller, Jonathon Tan, who claimed that the setup code is located at the bottom of the device, albeit not very visible. I took a clear photo of the bottom and informed him that I couldn't locate the code.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/699b49093d-1710940233/96995110-jonathan-tan-review-carousell-06.jpeg)
The seller said the setup code is at the bottom, "not very visible". Can you see it? Maybe only one with Sharingan can see.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/d479bd39ef-1710940233/96995110-jonathan-tan-review-carousell-07.jpeg)
I was told to remove the black sticker base. Ya right, now I can see the QR code and setup code clearly. I can even see the chip.
After receiving this photo, he ghosted me. Below is the screenshot of the entire conversation on Carousell:
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/013d498c1e-1710940233/96995110-dishonest-seller-review-08.jpeg)
Initially he was a "good" seller
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/4abd4c953b-1710940233/96995110-dishonest-seller-jonathan-tan-09.jpeg)
I paid him the full amount before arrange for Grab Express
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/180048836f-1710940233/96995110-dishonest-seller-jon-tan-10.jpeg)
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/f1b73cd5cc-1710940233/96995110-carousell-dishonest-seller-11.jpeg)
So far so good, nothing unusual yet.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/3d90aed807-1710940233/96995110-carousell-dishonest-tan-ah-jon-shop-12.jpeg)
First warning sign, he did not reply when I asked for exchange of review.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/cac7acde8e-1710940233/96995110-carousell-dishonest-jonathan-tan-13.jpeg)
I checked for the setup code again the next day morning to make sure I wasn't cock eye.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/270cbe437a-1710940233/9699-5110-tan-ah-jon-shop-dishonest-14.jpeg)
I'm still trying to be polite
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/54eada86e8-1710940233/9699-5110-tan-ah-jon-shop-dishonest-15.jpeg)
And he ghosted me
I was disappointed that despite my carefulness, I still encountered a dishonest person. The listing consists of two devices: a Google Nest wifi router and an add-on point. While the router is actually working fine, the add-on point is now essentially useless. So technically, if he were to refund me $50, I would be satisfied. The problem is, he doesn't even intend to resolve this issue at all. This is morally incorrect and dishonest, and I cannot easily let it go.
The next course of action is to report it to Carousell. However, I wasn't hopeful because he didn't even accept the offer! Furthermore, the transaction did not go through Carousell Protection. Despite this, I reported it anyway. Below is their response:
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/a0bb26b973-1710940233/9699-5110-carousell-dishonest-seller-email-16.jpeg)
Carousell's first email
As anticipated, their capacity is limited. However, I elaborated on the experience I had encountered previously. This time, they are much more proactive.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/f2b6d8676a-1710940233/9699-5110-carousell-dishonest-seller-email-17.jpeg)
Carousell's second email
"We have removed all of the seller's listings from the marketplace and restricted their access in Carousell. Additionally, I have left a system feedback on your seller's profile."
I'm glad that Carousell is doing their part to protect the community from dishonest sellers. Thank you Carousell.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/f77f4de87c-1710940233/9699-5110-carousell-warning-sign-18.jpeg)
Carousell's warning
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/5f2ef10515-1710940233/9699-5110-carousell-warning-sign-19.jpeg)
Carousell's review
He finally replied:
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/b1eca54168-1710940233/9699-5110-jonathan-tan-dishonest-seller-23.jpeg)
Around 2 hours after Carousell's second email, he replied.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/b1e94ef391-1710940233/9699-5110-dishonest-seller-jonathan-tan-24.jpeg)
Trying to say that I don't know how to set it up
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/334bae2549-1710940233/9699-5110-jon-tan-review-25.jpeg)
I genuine wanted to settle with him, but he continue to assume I never speak to Google support before going to him.
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/122389f1dd-1710940233/9699-5110-jonathan-tan-26.jpeg)
Jonathan, you expect me to buy your product so that I can keep checking with Google support ah? Got pretty girls bo?
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/fd530d9334-1710940233/9699-5110-tan-ah-jon-shop-review-27.jpeg)
Then he ghosted me again. Lol. Maybe he is the real Sasuke, can see the setup code and make himself disppear.
One last thing:
One final action I can take is to write and warn people about him. For your information, I have opted not to publish his home address as it would be excessive. Below are the details of the dishonest seller.
Jonathan Tan 96995110
- Name: Jonathan Tan
- Mobile: 9699 5110
- Username: @tan.ah.jon.shop
- Carousell: https://carousell.app.link/bPsuQUXP1Hb
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/2c5e4703f8-1710940233/9699-5110-jon-tan-20.jpeg)
96995110 Jonathan Tan
In his Carousell about section, he shared his Facebook page doing corporate gift:
Tyigiftsg
- Name: Tyigiftsg
- Mobile: 8805 0065
- Email: tjmallsg@gmail.com
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LuxuryStartFromHere
![](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/703b88917b-1710940233/88050065-tyigiftsg-corporate-gift-21.jpeg)
Tyigiftsg Corporate Gift
He also has another Carousell account using the same mobile phone, selling bicycle-related items. Wow, multiple businesses, impressive!
Asia i8 ライダーの親友
- Name: Asia i8 ライダーの親友
- Username: @asiai8
- Carousell: https://carousell.app.link/tqDQt8iQ1Hb
- Website: www.asiai8.com.sg
![9699 5110 Asia i8 Scooter 22 9699 5110 Asia i8 Scooter 22](/media/pages/home/96995110-dishonest-carousell-seller/74fb534ca7-1710940233/9699-5110-asia-i8-scooter-22.jpeg)
96995110 Asia i8 Scooter
Bro, you've tarnished years of your business reputation just to save $100. Clearly, not a businessman.