The Police have arrested a 25-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of e-commerce scams.
In July 2019, the Police received several reports from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller who listed discounted tickets of International Champions Cup for sale on Carousell. The seller became uncontactable after the victims transferred deposit payments to his account.
Through investigations, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the identity of the man and arrested him on 30 July 2019. Preliminary investigations revealed that he is believed to be involved in more than 10 cases of e-commerce scams amounting at least $3,800.
The man will be charged in court on 1 August 2019 with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, which is punishable with an imprisonment term that may extend to 10 years, and a fine.
While online shopping is convenient, the Police would like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions:
- Find out how shopping platforms safeguard your interest or can help you resolve disputes, before performing a transaction through them. Note that the party you are dealing with online is a stranger;
- Insist on cash on delivery especially if responding to online classified advertisements;
- If advance payments are required, use shopping platforms that only release your payment to the seller upon your receipt of the item;
- Note that sellers may provide a copy of an identification card or driver’s licence to gain your trust, but it may not belong to the person communicating with you online; and
- Note that scammers may use a local bank account to enhance their credibility; however, the owner of the account may not be the person communicating with you online.
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. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
31 July 2019 @ 10:05 PM