Following a two-week enforcement operation conducted between 1 and 15 May 2020 by officers from the Commercial Affairs Department and seven police land divisions, 97 men and 49 women, aged between 16 and 87, are currently assisting with investigations for their suspected involvement in scams. The suspects are believed to be involved in 375 cases of scams involving more than $1.15 million reportedly lost by their victims. The scams mainly comprise of internet love scams, online purchase scams and loan scams.
The suspects are being investigated for cheating or money laundering. The offence of cheating, punishable under section 420 of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. The offence of money laundering, punishable under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, carries a jail term of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to S$500,000.
The Police take a serious view against any person who may be involved in scams and frauds, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance to the law. To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these accounts are linked to illegal transactions.
For more information on scams, members of the public can 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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
18 May 2020 @ 9:05 AM