Man arrested for going on $2,500 shopping spree with credit card that he found

A 44-year-old man was arrested on Thursday (Oct 1) for allegedly using a credit card he found to make unauthorised transactions amounting to more than $2,500.

The police said in a statement that they received a report on Sep 5 from a victim who discovered that several unauthorised transactions had been made with her missing credit card.

Through investigations, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the identity of the man and arrested him.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to have found the victim’s credit card and used it to make unauthorised transactions amounting to more than $2,500," the police said.

"A gold necklace, a stored value card, a handheld game console and some gaming accessories were seized as case exhibits."

The man will be charged in court on Friday (Oct 2) with cheating and dishonest misappropriation of property.

The offence of cheating carries an imprisonment term of up to ten years, and a fine.

The offence of dishonest misappropriation of property carries an imprisonment term which may extend to two years, or a fine, or both. 

"The police would like to remind members of the public that unauthorised use of another person’s credit/debit card is a serious offence," they added.

Credit and debit card holders are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

  • Keep your credit or debit cards safe with you at all times;
  • Call your card issuing banks immediately if your credit or debit cards are is lost or stolen;
  • Opt for an SMS notification to be sent to your mobile phone for any charges incurred on your credit or debit card; and
  • Check bank statements regularly and alert the bank immediately should there be any discrepancies or unauthorised charges.