Guy pays 16-year-old girl $380 for iPhone 7 that turns out to be fake, police investigating

Police are investigating a 16-year-old youth for her suspected involvement in a cheating case.

The victim made a police report on March 6 alleging that he had been cheated by a seller who offered to sell him an iPhone 7.

The two parties had met for the transaction, during which the victim handed $380 in cash to the youth. They then parted ways.

The victim only discovered that his purchase was not an iPhone 7 when he failed to login to his iTunes account using the device.

Through extensive probes, officers from Tanglin Police Division identified the seller, who is now assisting with police investigations.

Anyone found guilty of cheating may be punished with a jail term of up to 10 years, and shall also be liable to a fine.

Members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling victim to online purchase scams:

• Make your online purchases only from reputable vendors;

• If advanced payments are necessary, only transact with people you know and trust;

• Check that the person or company you are buying from is physically located where they claim to be;

• Check the company or seller’s track record. Make enquiries with the clients and customers about the service they received from the seller;

• Never give your bank account numbers, credit card numbers and personal information to anyone you do not know or have not checked out;

• Do not provide any information that is not necessary to make the purchase;

• Do be mindful that scammers may use a local bank account for the transaction to enhance their credibility. The owner of the bank account may not be the person communicating with you online; and

• To seek scam-related advice, you may call the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg.