In a 3-day operation conducted between 19 and 21 April 2016, the Police rounded up 40 men and 32 women, aged between 15 and 64, for their suspected involvement in 183 cases of online scams involving more than $242,000.
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 and did not deliver the products to their buyers after receiving payment. The common products sold and not delivered include entrance tickets to local attractions, mobile phones and hotel room bookings.
The suspects are being 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.
The Police takes a serious view against any person involved in scams, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Members of public are advised to take the following precautions:
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Be careful of good deals, windfalls and requests from persons who befriend you online as you are dealing with unknown parties;
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Check the track record of the online party you are dealing with and use reputable sites and payment platforms with established refund policies;
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Be careful of jobs or requests for you to receive and transfer monies through your account as you may be dealing with funds from illegal sources.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 April 2016 @ 6:50 PM