The Police are investigating a 14-year-old male teenager for his suspected involvement in a series of online cheating cases.
In December 2018, the Police received several reports from victims who responded to an online advertisement purportedly selling branded shoes. After payments were made by the victims via bank transfers, they were unable to contact the seller and did not receive the shoes.
Officers from Woodlands Police Division conducted follow-up investigations and established the identity of the 14-year-old suspect. He is believed to be involved in at least four 4 cases of online cheating amounting to a total of $890. Investigations are ongoing.
Members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling victim 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.
- Check that the person or company you are buying from is physically located where they claim to be.
- Check the company or seller’s track record. Make enquiries with the clients and customers about the service they received from the seller.
- 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.
- Do 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.
- To seek scam-related advice, you may call the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 February 2019 @ 3:20 PM