The Police have arrested a 28-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of online purchase scams.
Between August and October 2017, the Police received multiple reports from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller who did not deliver the items even though payment was made. The total loss involved for these victims who had responded to the online advertisements selling smartphones, is at least $5300.
Officers from Jurong Police Division conducted extensive investigations and established the identity of the suspect. He was subsequently arrested on 7 November 2017 in Geylang.
The suspect will be charged in Court on 9 November 2017 with an offence of Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, 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:
- 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;
- Bear in mind that the party that you are dealing with online is a stranger. Whenever possible, pay only on delivery.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
08 November 2017 @ 11:10 AM