70 nabbed for online scams involving more than S$600,000

SINGAPORE — In a three-day operation this week, the police arrested 70 people aged between 17 and 68 for their suspected involvement in 187 cases of various scams involving more than S$600,000. 

Most of these cases involved suspects advertising items for sale online, then disappearing after collecting payment. 

And most of the cases involve online community marketplaces such as Carousell, Gumtree, Craiglist and Facebook. 

Other suspects include people who helped criminal syndicates register mobile phone lines and/or receive illegal funds in their Singapore bank accounts.

The police said in a statement on Thursday (Dec 8) that the top three products put up for sale in such online scams were electronic items, vouchers and tickets to concerts and Singapore attractions, as well as personal accessories such as branded bags and watches. 

The suspects were observed to have priced their items attractively, between 10- and 50-per-cent cheaper than the original price, the police added.

Buyers were asked to make a deposit or an advanced payment into bank accounts in Singapore, but the items would not be delivered and the suspects could not be contacted subsequently. 

The police cautioned the public to be vigilant when shopping online during the festive season. “If you see something being sold for a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is,” they said.

They also warned the public to avoid being an accomplice to a crime: “You should always reject requests to use your bank account or handphone lines as you will be held accountable if there are illegal transactions found in the accounts.”

Enforcement operations would continue, they said, and they would take firm action against any party involved in scams. 

All the suspects — 41 men and 29 women — are being investigated for cheating or for money laundering.

If convicted of cheating, the penalty is up to 10 years’ jail and a fine. 

For money laundering, the offence carries a punishment of up to 10 years’ jail and a fine of up to S$500,000.