Between 9 and 17 March 2020, 11 men, aged between 26 and 51, were hauled up by the Police for their suspected involvement in more than 25 cases of scams where the victims collectively lost more than $281,000.
The identities of the 11 men were established through investigations and close cooperation with banks and e-commerce platforms. The details of the cases are as follows:
a) A 42-year-old man, who is believed to be involved in six cases of e-commerce scams amounting to more than $52,500, was arrested on 10 March 2020. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had used a Whatsapp group to reach out to his victims, asking if they wanted to purchase face masks. After the victims responded, they were directed to make advance payments via bank transfers. The goods were not delivered and the man became uncontactable. He was charged in court on 12 March 2020 with Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, which carries an imprisonment term that may extend to 10 years and a fine.
b) Two men, aged 32 and 36, who are believed to be involved in at least two cases of e-commerce scams amounting to more than $140, were arrested on 13 March 2020. Preliminary investigations revealed that their victims responded to an advertisement on the sale of face masks on Carousell and were directed to make advance payments. The goods were not delivered and the duo became uncontactable. They are being investigated for Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
c) Five men, aged between 26 and 44, are being investigated for their involvement in at least four separate cases of cheating amounting to more than $15,900. They allegedly allowed their bank accounts to be used by criminals to facilitate scams, and are either being investigated for Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code or Money Laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act which carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $500,000.
d) Three men, aged between 33 and 51, are being investigated for their involvement in at least 13 separate cases of cheating, including wine investment, purchase of gaming equipment and purchase of antique products, amounting to more than $212,500. They are being investigated for Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
The Police take a serious view of persons who may be involved in scams and frauds, and perpetrators will be dealt with, in accordance with the law. The Police would like to advise members of the public to be very careful when making online purchases, especially during this period when scammers may try to leverage public anxieties arising from the ongoing COVID-19 situation:
a. Don’t Panic - Be rational when considering purchases and do not buy on impulse.
b. Don’t Believe - Scammers may use a local bank account or provide a copy of an NRIC/driver’s licence to show that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for this!
c. Don’t Give - Avoid making payments or deposits in advance. Use shopping platforms/arrangements that release your payments to the seller only upon receipt of the item(s). Buy only from reputable websites/platforms.
Members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if they are linked to illegal transactions or have been used in the facilitation of crimes.
For more information on scams, visit www.scamalert.sg or call the anti-scam hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 March 2020 @ 3:03 PM