Man arrested after making over $4k worth of purchases using stolen credit card info

A 38-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday (Mar 23) for allegedly making a series of unauthorised online transactions using stolen credit card information.

The police said they received information on March 17 that unauthorised transactions were made on an online bookstore.

Working closely with the online bookstore and courier company Ninja Van, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department traced and arrested the man.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to have obtained the stolen credit card information from an unknown man via Telegram and used the credit card information to make unauthorised online transactions amounting to more than $4,300," police said.

"Several electronic products, a music keyboard, power banks, some stationery, computer peripherals, a mobile game console and accessories, which were believed to have been purchased using the stolen credit card information, as well as three mobile phones, a central processing unit (CPU) and some computer peripherals, were seized as exhibits."

The man is also believed to be involved in another similar report lodged in early March 2022.

The man will be charged in court on Friday with unauthorised access to computer materials , which carries a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a jail term of up to two years.

The police reminded members of the public that unauthorised use of another person’s credit/debit card is a serious offence and said they take a serious view against anyone who commits fraud. Perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

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

DOs:

• Keep your credit or debit cards safe with you at all times;

• Opt in for SMS notifications to be sent to your mobile phone for any charges; incurred on your credit or debit cards; and

• Check your bank statements and alert the bank immediately should there be any discrepancies or unauthorised charges.

DON’Ts

• Not to give out your credit or debit card details to unknown persons;

• Not to reveal your OTPs to anyone; and

• Not to expose your credit or debit cards. The cards should be kept in your purse or wallet until you are ready to make your purchases.