The Police have arrested a 27-year-old woman for her suspected involvement in several cases of cheating involving at least seven victims.
Since late July 2016, Police received several reports regarding victims being cheated after making online purchases. In these cases, the victims were informed of the sales of discounted concert tickets or shopping vouchers after they have expressed interest in making purchases via a social media platform. They then transferred deposits to unknown bank accounts upon requests but the transactions did not materialise and the suspect went uncontactable thereafter.
Officers from the Central Division conducted extensive investigations to establish the identity of the suspect and arrested her on 29 July 2016.
Investigations against the suspect are ongoing. Anyone found guilty of Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to 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; and
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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
29 July 2016 @ 7:30 PM