The Singapore Police Force (SPF) recently revealed the arrest of a 25-year-old man involved in a series of e-commerce scams, where victims were deceiv
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) recently revealed the arrest of a 25-year-old man involved in a series of e-commerce scams, where victims were deceived into buying fake Rolex watches. The man had allegedly advertised the sale of these watches on Facebook Marketplace between May and October 2022.
After meeting with customers and receiving payments through PayNow, he handed over counterfeit Rolex watches. Officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division identified and arrested the man on October 13, following several reports from victims. According to preliminary investigations, the man is linked to similar scams resulting in losses exceeding S$88,000.
The man was charged in court on October 15 under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 for cheating, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine.
In response to the incident, SPF issued a reminder to the public to exercise caution when making online purchases, especially for high-value items. “If the price is too good to be true, it probably is,” said SPF, urging buyers to deal only with authorized sellers or reputable sources.
Additionally, buyers are advised to choose platforms that offer buyer protection, where payments are released only after the authenticity of the item is verified. SPF also warned against making advance payments or direct bank transfers, as these methods offer no buyer protection.
Scammers may also attempt to shift conversations to other messaging platforms or provide fake documents like an NRIC or driver’s license to appear legitimate. SPF urges consumers to stay vigilant and avoid falling into these traps.
For more information on how to avoid scams, visit scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information about such scams can contact the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit details online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. /TISG
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