The Police have arrested a 28-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of online purchase scam.
On 16 May 2017, the Police received a report from a victim who was purportedly cheated by an online seller who had offered the purchase of $500 worth of NTUC Fairprice vouchers at a discounted price of $470. After payment was made by the victim, she discovered that the envelope contained only $250 worth of NTUC vouchers. The suspect then became uncontactable.
Through extensive investigations, officers from Tanglin Police Division established the identity of the suspect and arrested him on 29 May 2017 along Kampong Java Road. Police investigations are ongoing.
Anyone found guilty of Cheating may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to a fine.
Members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling prey to online purchase scams:
- Make your online purchases only from reputable vendors;
- If advanced payments are necessary, only transact with people you know and trust.
- Be mindful that scammers may use a local bank account for the transaction to enhance their credibility. The owner of the bank account may not be the person communicating with you online.
- Check that the person or company you are buying from is physically located where they claim to be
- Never give your bank account numbers, credit card numbers and personal information to anyone you do not know or have not checked out.
- Do not provide any information that is not necessary to make the purchase.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
31 May 2017 @ 11:00 PM