The Police have arrested a 28-year-old man for his suspected involvement in an e-commerce scam involving the sale of computer monitors.
On 20 August 2023, the Police received a report from a victim who was cheated by the man, who allegedly advertised the sale of computer monitors on an e-commerce platform “Carousell”. The man allegedly received deposits amounting to $40 from the victim via PayNow and became uncontactable.
Through follow up investigations, officers from Woodlands Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 5 September 2023.
The man will be charged in court on 11 September 2023 with the offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment 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:
- If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high-value items.
- Opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller as this method does not offer any protection.
- Scammers may entice buyers to contact them directly through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat by offering a better or faster deal if bank transfer payments are made directly to them. They may also use a local bank account or provide a copy of a NRIC/driver’s license to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!
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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
10 September 2023 @ 2:50 PM