The Police have arrested two men and a woman, aged between 17 and 49, for their suspected involvement in three separate cases of cheating.
In the first case, on 25 December 2018, the Police received a report from a victim who reported that he was purportedly cheated by a woman into purchasing discounted air tickets and tour packages. After receiving a total of $15,700 from the victim, the woman did not fulfil the transaction. Through follow-up investigations, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the 49-year-old woman and arrested her on 23 January 2019.
In the second case, on 27 March 2019, the Police received a report from a victim who reported that he was cheated by an online seller who was selling ear phones on Carousell. After the payment was made by the victim via bank transfer, the seller became uncontactable. Through investigations, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the seller and arrested him on 9 April 2019. Investigations are ongoing.
In the last case, on 10 April 2019, the Police received a report from a victim who reported that she was purportedly cheated by a man into signing up for a mobile line, coupled with a mobile phone, in exchange for a job and promise that the bills will be paid. After receiving the mobile phone, the man was unable to fulfil his promise to the victims. Through follow-up investigations and ground enquiries, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the 45-year-old man and arrested him on 12 April 2019. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was believed to be involved in two other similar cases.
The 45-year-old man and 49-year-old woman will be charged in court on 15 April 2019 with cheating, under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, which is punishable with an imprisonment term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to a fine.
The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precaution:
For employment matters:
- Conduct search of employment agencies and personnel search that match your needs. You can use the eservice provided by the Ministry of Manpower at www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/employment-agencies-and-personnel-search;
- Ignore job advertisements of a dubious nature; and
- Be suspicious of employers that require upfront payment before you start work.
For shopping online:
- 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; 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
14 April 2019 @ 3:30 PM