The Police have arrested a 23-year-old woman for her suspected involvement in a case of cheating involving online sales of branded bags.
On 18 June 2020, the Police received a report from a victim who had paid a deposit for a branded bag on Carousell. The victim did not receive the bag and subsequently requested for a refund of the deposit. The seller replied with an edited image of the transaction which showed that the refund was made and became uncontactable.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the woman and arrested her on 10 September 2020.
Police investigations are ongoing. The offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code is punishable with an imprisonment term that may extend to 10 years, and a fine.
The Police would also like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions when making online purchases:
- Don’t be impulsive – Do not buy on impulse. 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 – As you are dealing with strangers, avoid making payments or deposits in advance. Try to use shopping platforms/arrangements that release your payment to the seller only upon receipt of the item. Alternatively, arrange to meet the seller and pay only on delivery.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255 0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
13 September 2020 @ 8:40 PM