The Police have arrested a 20-year-old woman for her suspected involvement in a series of e-commerce scams.
Between 9 June 2020 and 5 July 2020, the Police received multiple reports from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller advertising mobile phones and bicycles on Carousell. The victims did not receive the items after payments were made via PayLah or PayNow and the seller became uncontactable thereafter.
Through investigations, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the woman and arrested her on 24 September 2020.
Investigations are ongoing. The offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code is punishable with an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, and a fine.
The Police take a serious view of persons who may be involved in scams and frauds, and perpetrators will be dealt with, in accordance with the law. The Police would like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions when making online purchases:
- 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.
- 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 licence to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it.
- 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.
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.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
25 September 2020 @ 2:40 PM
