The Police have arrested two women aged 31 and 40 for their suspected involvement in a case of internet love scam.
On 17 July 2016, Police received a report of a case of cheating through internet love scam. The 41-year-old victim had gotten to know an unidentified man online in May 2016 and was led to believe that she was getting into a romantic relationship. She was eventually convinced to transfer close to £43,500 to an overseas bank account on two occasions before being advised by a friend to lodge a police report.
Upon receiving the report, officers from Bedok Division conducted protracted investigation and established the identities of the suspects. They were arrested along Bedok Road on 18 July 2016. Cash amounting to $20,000 was recovered from one of the suspects.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Members of public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling victim to internet love scams:
- Do not receive/send money from/to people you do not know well, especially if you have not met in person
- Be in control of your emotions and meet all requests for money with a cool head, knowing that it could be a scam
- Do not reveal too much about yourself, particularly in the form of photos or videos, to prevent you from being blackmailed later on
- Contact the Police immediately if you receive any message or call from someone claiming to be in trouble overseas and urgently needs you to send money
- Inform the Police if anyone tries to extort money from you
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
21 July 2016 @ 1:15 PM