The Police have arrested a 33-year-old man for his suspected involvement in online purchase scams.
Since 28 May 2016, the Police have received several reports from victims who have purportedly been cheated by a man who had offered supermarket vouchers and iTunes gift cards for sale at a discounted price. The man became un-contactable after the payments were made by the victims.
Upon receiving the reports, officers from Tanglin Division conducted extensive investigations to establish the identity of the man and subsequently arrested him along Beo Crescent on 2 June 2016.
The man will be charged in Court with Cheating under Sec 420 Chapter 224 on 4 June 2016. Anyone found guilty of committing Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to 10 years, and shall be liable to a fine.
Members of public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling victim to online purchase scams:
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Make your online purchases only from reputable vendors;
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If advanced payments are necessary, only transact with people you know and trust.
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Check that the person or company you are buying from is physically located where they claim to be.
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Check the company or seller’s track record. Make enquiries with the clients and customers about the service they received from the seller.
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Never give your bank account numbers, credit card numbers and personal information to anyone you do not know or have not checked out.
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Do not provide any information that is not necessary to make the purchase.
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Do be mindful that scammers may use a local bank account for the transaction to enhance their credibility. The owner of the bank account may not be the person communicating with you online.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 June 2016 @ 1:00 PM