The Police have arrested a 22-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman for their suspected involvement in separate series of e-commerce scams.
In the first series, the Police received several reports between 14 July 2019 and 29 July 2019 from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller who advertised concert lightsticks and gaming gadgets on Carousell. After payments were made by victims via bank transfers, the man became uncontactable.
In the second series, the Police received several reports between 10 October 2019 and 5 May 2020 from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller who advertised apparels, household furniture and appliances, and an arrangement for cat adoption on Facebook Marketplace and Carousell. After payments or deposit payments were made by victims via bank transfers, the woman became uncontactable.
Through investigations, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the man and woman and arrested both separately on 13 May 2020. The man is believed to be involved in at least five cases of e-commerce scams where victims reported total losses amounting to $1,195. The woman is believed to be involved in at least nine cases of e-commerce scams where victims reported total losses amounting to $459.
Police investigations against the man are ongoing. The woman will be charged in court on 15 May 2020 with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
The Police take a serious view of persons who may be involved in scams and frauds, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law. The Police would like to advise members of the public to be very careful when making online purchases:
a) Opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller.
b) Scammers may entice buyers to contact them directly through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat by offering a better or faster deal if bank transfer payments are made directly to them. They may also use a local bank account or provide a copy of a NRIC/driver’s licence to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!
c) If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high-value items.
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 May 2020 @ 8:50 PM