The Police have arrested a 38-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of unauthorised online transactions using stolen credit card information.
On 17 March 2022, the Police received information that unauthorised transactions were made on an online bookstore. Working closely with the online bookstore and the courier company, Ninja Van, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department traced and arrested the man on 23 March 2022.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to have obtained the stolen credit card information from an unknown man via Telegram and used the credit card information to make unauthorised online transactions amounting to more than $4,300. Several electronic products, a music keyboard, power banks, some stationery, computer peripherals, a mobile game console and accessories, which were believed to have been purchased using the stolen credit card information, as well as three mobile phones, a central processing unit (CPU) and some computer peripherals, were seized as exhibits. The man is also believed to be involved in another similar report lodged in early March 2022.
The man will be charged in court on 25 March 2022 with unauthorised access to computer materials under Section 3(1) of the Computer Misuse Act 1993. The offence carries a fine not exceeding $5,000, an imprisonment term of up to two years, or both.
The Police would like to remind members of the public that unauthorised use of another person’s credit/debit card is a serious offence and take a serious view against any person who commits fraud and the perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Police would like to advise all credit/debit card holders to call their card-issuing banks immediately if their credit/debit cards are lost or stolen, and to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
DOs
Members of the public are advised to:
- Keep your credit or debit cards safe with you at all times;
- Opt in for SMS notifications to be sent to your mobile phone for any charges; incurred on your credit or debit cards; and
- Check your bank statements and alert the bank immediately should there be any discrepancies or unauthorised charges.
DON’Ts
Members of the public are also advised:
- Not to give out your credit or debit card details to unknown persons;
- Not to reveal your OTPs to anyone; and
- Not to expose your credit or debit cards. The cards should be kept in your purse or wallet until you are ready to make your purchases.
Case Exhibits Seized
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 March 2022 @ 12:30 PM