The Police have arrested a 20-year-old woman who is believed to be involved in multiple cases of online purchase scams.
Between 26 July 2016 and 13 September 2016, the Police received 14 numerous reports from victims who were purportedly cheated by a seller who had offered discounted concert and Universal Studios Singapore tickets. After payments were made by the victims, the suspect would be uncontactable and did not deliver the tickets.
Officers from Ang Mo Kio Division conducted extensive investigations to establish the identity of the suspect. The suspect was subsequently arrested along Yishun Ring Road on 5 October 2016.
The suspect will be charged in Court on 7 October 2016 with an the offence of Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code Chapter 224, which carries a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment and fine.
While online shopping is convenient, the Police would like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions when shopping online:
- Bear in mind that the party you are dealing with online is a stranger. Before performing a transaction, find out how the online site safeguards your interest or can help you resolve disputes;
- Whenever possible, pay only on delivery.
- If advanced payments are required, use shopping platforms that provide arrangements to only release your payment to the seller upon your receipt of the item; and
- Be mindful that although culprits may provide a copy of an Identification Card or Driver’s licence to gain your trust, it may not necessarily belong to the person communicating with you online.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 October 2016 @ 6:00 PM