20-year-old man arrested for e-scooter scams amounting to $3,000

A 20-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of e-commerce scams involving the sale of e-scooters via online marketplace Carousell.

The police said in a statement that they received several reports between late April and early May from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller who was selling e-scooters.

After payments were made by the victims via bank transfers, the seller became uncontactable.

Through follow-up investigations and in collaboration with Carousell, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the identity of the man and arrested him at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 on May 5.

E-scooter that was found in the man’s possession. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

Preliminary investigations revealed the man is believed to be involved in at least five cases of e-commerce scams amounting to $3,000.

Police investigations are ongoing.

The offence of cheating is punishable with an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, and a fine.

The police said they take a serious view of people who may be involved in scams and frauds: "Perpetrators will be dealt with, in accordance with the law."

They advise members of the public to be very careful when making online purchases:

  • Opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller.

  • Scammers may entice buyers to contact them directly through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat by offering a better or faster deal if bank transfer payments are made directly to them. They may also use a local bank account or provide a copy of an NRIC/driver’s licence to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!

  • If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high-value items.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit 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.