The Police are investigating 49 persons for their suspected involvement in various online scams following an island-wide operation conducted between 17 and 19 November 2015. The 30 men and 19 women, aged between 13 and 64, are suspected to be involved in 152 cases of online scams involving more than S$170,000.
Most of the suspects are believed to have acted as “money mules†who received and transferred illegal funds on behalf of criminal syndicates. Other suspects are believed to have posed as online sellers of various products and did not deliver the products to their buyers even after receiving the payment.
The suspects will be investigated for the offence of Cheating which carries a punishment of imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine, or money laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, which carry a punishment of imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of up to S$500,000.
Police will work closely with the banks and any bank account found to be used to receive money from illegal sources will be frozen for the purpose of investigations. The suspects will not be able to utilize their bank accounts for any transaction while investigations are ongoing. A spokesperson from the Association of Banks of Singapore adds “We would like to remind bank customers that their personal bank accounts are for their own use and they should not agree to receive any money on behalf of others, especially if the sources of the funds are unknown. Bank customers may get into trouble with the law if it is found that funds in their accounts are from crime-related activities. In addition, the bank may close the bank account if there is reasonable suspicion that it is being used for illegal activities.
Police cautions that members of public should be vigilant when engaging in any form of online activity on the Internet and on social media applications as well as when shopping on online platforms. To avoid becoming a scam victim or being used as a money mule:
- Be wary of strangers who befriend you online. Think twice if such online friends ask you for money or ask you to receive money for them, as these funds may be from illegal sources.
- Never give your bank and credit card details and personal information to anyone you do not know.
- If you are purchasing something online, always check the track record of the party you are dealing with. Use reputable sites and payment platforms with established refund policies.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 November 2015 @ 6:27 PM