Police arrest Carousell seller, 25, who allegedly scammed victims of more than S$114,000

SINGAPORE — A 25-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly cheating people in a string of e-commerce scams this year.

The police said on Saturday (Oct 16) that between June 11 and Thursday, they received several reports from people who were purportedly cheated by an online seller on internet marketplace Carousell.

The seller was said to have become uncontactable after the victims made their payments by bank transfers. 

The suspect, who was arrested on Thursday, is believed to be involved in at least 100 cases of e-commerce scams with victims losing more than S$114,000.

The police said in a statement that officers from the Clementi Police Division established the identity of the man through investigations and a probe was under way.

If found guilty of cheating, the man could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

The police reminded the public to buy items, especially high-value ones, only from authorised sellers or reputable sources.

“If the price is too good to be true, it probably is,” they said.

Customers should also verify a seller’s profile on online marketplaces by poring over customer reviews and ratings, and avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to sellers, because this method does not offer any protection.

Those with information on scams may call the police on 1800 255 0000 or submit details online.