Man arrested for selling virtual game credits on Telegram and going MIA after getting paid

A 24-year-old man was arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of cheating cases after allegedly selling game credits and becoming uncontactable upon receiving payment.

The police received a report on February 12 from a victim who was purportedly cheated by an online seller who sold virtual game credits through Telegram.

After payment was made by the victim via PayNow, the seller allegedly failed to deliver the game credits and became uncontactable.

Through follow-up investigations, officers from Bedok Police Division established the suspect's identity and arrested him on Wednesday (March 24).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to be involved in several other cheating cases.

Police investigations are ongoing.

If convicted for cheating, the man faces a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

In a statement on Friday, the police said they "take a serious view of persons who may be involved in scams and frauds, and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law."

Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when making online purchases:

1. Opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery, or use trusted e-commerce platforms to transact with sellers for goods and services. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller.

2. Scammers may entice buyers to contact them directly through messaging platforms such as Telegram, 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 a NRIC/driver’s licence to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it.

3. 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.