Between December 2015 and February 2016, the Police received several reports from victims who were purportedly cheated after responding to online advertisements involving employment of male social escorts.
During the online engagements, the victims were told that they would be linked up with rich female clients after paying a one-time registration fee. However, after making payment, they would be told to pay other fees, such as membership and insurance. Sensing something amiss, the victims made police reports thereafter. Preliminary interviews revealed that the total amount transferred in the cases reported is believed to be at least S$26,000.
Members of the public are advised to take the following precautionary measures to avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Ignore advertisements of a dubious nature
- Be wary when corresponding with strangers online
- Do not make payments or transfer money to any stranger whom you have not met before.
If you have any information related to this crime, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 February 2016 @ 9:50 AM