The Police are investigating a 16-year-old teenager for his suspected involvement in an online cheating case involving counterfeit branded shoes.
On 1 December 2018, the Police received a report that a man had bought a pair of branded shoes at a discounted price from an online seller. The man eventually discovered that the pair of shoes he bought from the online seller were counterfeit shoes.
Through an online search, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the suspect, and he is assisting with investigations.
Any person found guilty of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to 10 years, and shall also be liable to a fine.
Members of public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling prey to online purchase scams:
- Before performing a transaction, find out how the online site safeguards your interest or helps 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 release your payment to the seller only after receiving the item.
For scam-related advice, members of public may call the anti-scam hotline at 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg. 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. Help spread the word and share this advisory with family and friends to prevent them from being the next victim of scam.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 December 2018 @ 4:33 PM