17 people probed over online scams amounting to over S$134,000

SINGAPORE  — The police are investigating 17 people for their suspected involvement in more than 70 reported online purchase scams that amounted to more than S$134,000. 

The suspects — 10 men and seven women aged between 19 and 43 — were identified over the course of an islandwide police operation on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Online scams usually involve victims responding to advertisements of goods being sold at attractive prices. The scammers then convince the buyers to make payment in advance for the items to be delivered to them. 

In most of these cases, the victims were asked to make payment via bank transfers to a local bank account. 

However, they never received the goods as promised, even after having made advance payment. 

“In some cases, victims were even asked to make further payments for fictitious reasons such as payments for customs duties, delivery charges and taxes,” the police said in a statement today (Dec 19).

Mr Tan Boon Gin, director of the Commercial Affairs Department, today reminded members of the public to exercise caution when shopping online during the festive season. 

“Consumers should check out the track record of the business and deal only with people they know and trust.”

Members of the public should also insist on getting a contact number if advance payments are necessary and never give their personal information, such as bank account and credit card numbers, to anyone.

The maximum penalty for cheating is 10 years’ jail and a fine.