The Police have arrested a 29-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a case of cheating involving the sale of counterfeit luxury goods.
On 27 August 2021, the Police received a report from a victim who reported that she had been allegedly cheated into purchasing a purported luxury bag from an online seller on Carousell. The seller had claimed that the luxury bag was authentic during their correspondence. On 9 December 2021, the Police received further information from the victim that the same seller had also purportedly used another Carousell account to sell counterfeit luxury goods. Officers from Woodlands Police Division conducted an operation and arrested the man on 12 December 2021. Counterfeit luxury goods, including bags, shoes, and jewelleries, and cash amounting to $4,050 were seized. Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in other similar cases.
The man will be charged in court on 14 December 2021 with cheating, punishable under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
The Police would like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions when making online purchases:
- If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high-value items.
- Opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller as this method does not offer any protection.
- Scammers may entice buyers to contact them directly through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat by offering a better or faster deal if bank transfer payments are made directly to them. They may also use a local bank account or provide a copy of a NRIC/driver’s license to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!
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 atwww.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
13 December 2021 @ 6:30 PM