The Police have arrested a 22-year old man for his suspected involvement in a series of Cheating cases involving online sale of e-scooters.
Between 6 and 24 September 2017, the Police received several reports from victims who were purportedly cheated after placing orders for e-scooters at attractive prices on Carousell. After the victims had placed their orders and transferred payment to the specified bank account, the seller would become uncontactable and not deliver the goods.
Officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted extensive follow-up investigations and established the identity of the suspect. He was subsequently arrested by the Police on 25 September 2017 along Yishun Avenue 6.
The man will be charged in Court on 27 September 2017 with the offence of Cheating which carries a punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to a 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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Be wary of people selling items for prices that sound too good to be true. Check the seller’s track record by reading reviews of their services or contact past customers.
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Buy goods only from authorised dealers. 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;
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Bear in mind that the party that you are dealing with online is a stranger. Whenever possible, pay only on delivery.
To seek scam-related advice, you may call the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or go to www.scamalert.sg. Help spread the word and share this advisory with your family and friends to prevent them from being the next victim of scam.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
26 September 2017 @ 4:45 PM