The Police have arrested a 23-year-old man for his alleged involvement in case of cheating.
On 22 January 2021, the Police received a report from a victim who informed that he had been cheated by a seller who purportedly sold GrabPay credits on Carousell. The victim claimed to have had two successful transactions with the seller where he received the credits after meeting up with the seller to make payment. However, the victim alleged that he did not receive the credits after making payment during the third transaction, and the seller purportedly became uncontactable.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on the 23 January 2021.
The man will be charged in court on the 25 January 2021 with cheating. The offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, and a fine.
Members of public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling victim to online purchase scams:
- Before performing a transaction, find out how the online site safeguards your interest or can help you resolve disputes;
- Check the seller’s track record by reading reviews or contacting previous customers;
- 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.
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
24 January 2021 @ 5:45 PM