The Police have arrested a 29-year-old man for his involvement in a series of e-commerce scams.
In early February 2019, the Police received several reports from victims who had purchased various products (such as babycare products, EZ-link charms, and TV set-up boxes) listed on Carousell. After the victims had made payment via bank transfers, they did not receive their purchases, and the seller became uncontactable.
Officers from Commercial Affairs Department conducted follow-up investigations and established the identity of the man. He was subsequently arrested on 25 February 2019. The man is believed to be involved in at least 30 cases of e-commerce scams amounting to a total of $4,500/-
The man will be charged in court on 27 February 2019 with cheating, which is punishable with an imprisonment term that may extend to 10 years, and a fine.
While online shopping is convenient, the Police would like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions:
- Bear in mind that the party you are dealing with online is a stranger. Before performing a transaction on an online shopping site, find out how the site safeguards your interest or can help you resolve disputes;
- Insist on cash on delivery especially if responding to online classified advertisements;
- If advance payments are required, use shopping platforms that provide arrangements to only release your payment to the seller upon your receipt of the item;
- Be mindful that although sellers 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; and
- Note that scammers may use a local bank account to enhance credibility; however, the owner of the account may not be the person communicating with you online.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255 0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
26 February 2019 @ 1:50 PM