Man finds woman's wallet, uses her credit and debit cards to buy over $1,900 worth of items

A 46-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly used a woman's missing credit and debit cards to make more than $1,900 worth of purchases.

The police said they received a report from the victim on July 19 after she discovered that several unauthorised transactions had been made with her missing cards.

Through follow-up investigations, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the man's identity and arrested him on Monday (Oct 9).

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the man is believed to have found the victim’s wallet which contained the cards and subsequently used them to make various unauthorised transactions amounting to more than $1,900," police added.

Two watches, a baby anklet, a bicycle and other household items which were believed to have been purchased using the cards were seized as case exhibits.

Photo: Singapore Police Force

The man was charged in court on Oct 11 with cheating, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

Unauthorised use of another person’s credit or debit card is a serious offence, reminded the police, adding that they take a serious view against anyone who commits fraud. Perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

All credit and 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:

Do:

• 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't:

• Give out your credit or debit card details to unknown persons;

• Reveal your One-Time Password to anyone; and

• Expose your credit or debit cards. Keep them in your purse or wallet until you are ready to make your purchases.