Between 18 July 2020 and 4 August 2020, the Police received several reports from victims who had come across a listing by the teenager put up on Carousell for a set of brand new Apple Airpod at a significantly discounted price. The teenager assured the victims that the items were brand new and authentic before payments were made to her via PayNow transfers. However, after the victims received the products, the items were found to be counterfeit.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the teenager and arrested her on 6 August 2020. She is believed to be involved in at least 10 cases of similar e-commerce scams amounting to more than $2,800 in losses by victims.
The teenager will be charged in court on 8 August 2020 with cheating under section 420 of the Penal Code. The offence of cheating carries a jail 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:
a. Don’t be impulsive – Do not buy on impulse. Read the reviews of the seller before committing to a purchase.
b. Don’t believe – Scammers may use a local bank account or provide a copy of a NRIC/driver’s licence to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!
c. Don’t give – As you are dealing with strangers, avoid making payments or deposits in advance. Try to use shopping platforms/arrangements that release your payment to the seller only upon receipt of the item. Alternatively, arrange to meet the seller and pay only on delivery.
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
07 August 2020 @ 10:00 PM