The Police have arrested a 19-year-old woman for her suspected involvement in several cases of cheating.
Since 16 September 2016, Police received several reports regarding victims being cheated after placing orders for tickets to Halloween Horror Night 2016 at Universal Studios Singapore and branded lipsticks. In all these cases, the victims came across the online advertisements selling these products at attractive prices on Carousell. After placing orders and transferring the payment to a specified bank account, the seller turned evasive and did not deliver the goods.
Officers from Central Division conducted extensive follow-up investigations to establish the identity of the suspect and arrested her on 29 November 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.
While online shopping is convenient, the Police would like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions when shopping online:
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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;
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Whenever possible, pay only on delivery.
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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
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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
30 November 2016 @ 9:00 PM