The Police have arrested a 24-year-old Singaporean man on 8 April 2020 for his suspected involvement in a series of online cheating cases over Carousell and Facebook Marketplace.
Between 14 March and 8 April 2020, the Police received multiple reports from persons who reported that they were cheated by an online seller who was offering face masks and hand sanitizers for sale. The seller became uncontactable after deposits were paid via PayNow and PayLah. Preliminary investigations show that there are at least 19 victims and losses amount to more than $4,300.
The man was charged in court on 9 April 2020 with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224 which offence carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, and possible fine.
The Police take a serious view of persons who may be involved in scams and frauds. Perpetrators will be dealt with, in accordance with the law.
The Police would like to advise members of the public to be very careful when making online purchases, especially during this period when scammers may try to leverage public anxieties arising from the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
· Avoid making payments or deposits in advance;
· Use shopping platforms/arrangements that releases their payments to the seller only upon receipt of the item(s); and
· Buy only from reputable websites/platforms.
For more information on scams, visit www.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
09 April 2020 @ 4:20 PM