154 arrested for alleged involvement in 230 scams, victims lost more than $1.3 million

An enforcement operation saw 154 scammers and money mules arrested for their alleged involvement in 230 scams where victims lost more than $1.3 million. 

The Commercial Affairs Department and seven Police Land Divisions conducted the island-wide enforcement operation between Oct 1 and 11.

Following the operation, 96 men and 58 women, aged between 15 and 68, are now assisting in investigations for their suspected involvement in various scams.

The suspects are believed to be involved in 230 scam cases where victims have lost more than $1.3 million; the majority of the scams were e-commerce scams. 

The suspects are being investigated for cheating and money laundering.

If convicted of cheating, they may face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine. If convicted of money laundering, they may face a jail term of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $500,000.

Members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling victim to e-commerce scams:

  • Don’t be impulsive – Be wary of online advertisements of items at cheap prices that appear too good to be true! Do not buy on impulse. Read the reviews of the seller before committing to a purchase.
  • Don’t believe – Scammers may use a local bank account or provide a copy of an identification card (e.g. NRIC, driver’s licence) to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!
  • Don’t give – As you are dealing with strangers, avoid making payments or deposits in advance. Use shopping platforms/arrangements that release your payment to the seller only upon receipt of the item. Alternatively, arrange to meet the seller and pay only on delivery.

Members of the public will be held accountable if their accounts are linked to illegal transactions. 

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

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