54-year-old woman arrested after going on $700 shopping spree with man's lost credit card

A 54-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday (Aug 29) for her suspected involvement in using another person’s credit card to make unauthorised transactions at retail outlets.

The police received a report from the victim on March 1 about how there were several unauthorised transactions made on his credit card, which he had lost.

The transactions amounted to more than $700, said the police in a statement on Friday (Aug 30).

Through follow-up investigations, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the suspect's identity and arrested her along Toa Payoh Lorong 3.

Cosmetics purchased using the victim’s credit card, as well as receipts of these unauthorised transactions, were seized as case exhibits.

The woman will be charged in court on Aug 30 with cheating, which carries a punishment of up to 10 years in jail and a fine.

In their statement, the police also reminded members of the public to be vigilant of their surroundings and to safeguard their belongings in public.

Merchants and sales staff are advised to exercise vigilance and adopt correct card acceptance procedures when processing credit/debit card transactions.

They should look out for the name and security features on the card face and contact their processing bank immediately for advice if they detect anything suspicious.

All credit/debit card holders are advised to call their card-issuing banks immediately if their credit/debit cards are lost or stolen, and to adopt the following measures to prevent unauthorised use of their cards:

• Opt for an SMS notification to be sent to your handphone for any charges incurred on your credit/ debit card;

• Check bank statements and alert the bank immediately should there be any discrepancies or fraudulent charges; and

• Do not give out your credit / debit card details to strangers.