Scammers tend to leverage the popularity of upcoming phone releases to cheat victims who are eager to lay their hands on the latest phone models, especially those from Apple and Samsung. Between January and August 2018, the Police received at least 400 reports of e-commerce scams involving electronics, of which, more than half were attributed to Apple and Samsung phones. Victims typically fell prey to bogus offers that were advertised online on platforms like Carousell and did not receive the phones after payments were made.
Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Don’t be impulsive – Be wary of online advertisements of mobile phones at cheap prices that sound too good to be true. As far as possible, purchase only from authorised sellers. If you are shopping on online platforms, read the reviews of the seller before committing to a purchase.
- Don’t believe – Scammers may 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.
- Don’t give – Avoid making payments or deposits in advance. If advance payments are required, use shopping platforms or arrangements that release your payment to the seller only upon receipt of the item. Alternatively, arrange to meet the seller prior to making any payment.
If you wish to provide any information related to such crimes, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. For urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
To seek scam-related advice, you may call the National Crime Prevention Council’s anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or go to www.scamalert.sg. Share this advisory with your family and friends to prevent them from being the next victim of scam.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
17 September 2018 @ 4:00 PM