Man jailed 5 years for cheating almost 400 victims on Carousell of over S$108,000

SINGAPORE — A 34-year-old man who was involved in a series of e-commerce scams on Carousell involving almost 400 victims was jailed for five years and fined S$17,000 on Wednesday (Aug 31).

In a news release, the police said that Poh Zhenlong Caine was also convicted of participating in illegal online gambling activities.

The authorities said that they received numerous reports from victims who were purportedly cheated by different online sellers on the e-commerce platform Carousell between October 2018 and June 2020.

These sellers advertised tickets for Universal Studios Singapore, concerts, sporting events as well as for other items, the police said.

After the victims paid for their purchases via bank transfer, PayNow or Paylah, the sellers then stopped communicating with them and did not deliver on the items bought.

Investigations by the police found that Poh had posted those fake advertisements on Carousell.

He advertised tickets to Universal Studios Singapore, concerts as well as sporting events after he noticed that there was a “high demand” for such items on Carousell.

“By such manner of deception, Poh dishonestly induced 396 victims to deliver $108,693.90 to various bank accounts,” said the police.

Poh pleaded guilty to two charges of cheating, four charges of amalgamated unlawful remote gambling and one charge of unlawful remote gambling.

The police on Wednesday warned that they take a serious view against those who may be involved in scams and frauds, and they will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

In a reminder, the police said that members of the public should be very careful when making their purchases online.

Among others, the public should opt for buyer protection when purchasing items online. Whenever possible, they should avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the sellers.

They are also warned that scammers may entice their potential victims to contact them through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat in order to get a better or faster deal if bank transfer payments are made directly to them.

Lastly, the public should make their purchases at authorised sellers or through reputable sources.

The police added that everyone should exercise “due diligence and common sense” when responding to online job advertisements claiming lucrative salary or allowance in exchange for the use of personal particulars, contact details or bank accounts.

“Remember that you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes,” the police warned.

Those with information on scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.