One of the latest tactics used by scammers is creating fake merchant accounts on popular e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee, and then asking buyers to "PM Tepi" aka direct messaging sliding (DM sliding) to deal outside the platform.
The term "PM Tepi" is a Malay term that roughly translates to "private message on the side." It refers to scammers asking buyers to communicate with them privately, outside the e-commerce platform, to make a deal. They do this on the premise that if the buyer deals outside the platform, they will get better discounts as the seller (scammer) can bypass paying the platform fees and transfer the savings to the buyer.
The seller (scammers) advertises some product on the platform and then interested buyers who click purchased are privately messaged via the platform chat function. Sometimes the merchant accounts are bought over accounts or mule accounts. The platform chat functions are usually there to allow buyers to ask sellers more information about the product and for sellers to inform buyers on any promotions, shipment issues.
This tactic is highly deceptive and dangerous for buyers as it is a common tactic used by scammers to commit fraud. By dealing outside the platform, buyers lose the protection provided by the platform.
Note : I am aware of another term for PM Tepi to point to a person of prominence.