Man picks up credit card at AXS machine in Yishun -- and goes on $18k shopping spree

After finding a credit card that someone had accidentally left behind at an AXS machine along Yishun Avenue 2, a 29-year-old man then used it to go on a shopping spree.

The man made unauthorised retail purchases amounting to more than $18,000 with the card, said the police, who were alerted to the case on March 16.

He was arrested along Temasek Boulevard on Thursday (March 21).

Several pieces of jewellery, electrical items and watches, which were believed to have been purchased using the victim’s credit card, as well as cash of $1,000, were seized as case exhibits.

The man will be charged in court on Friday (March 22).

If convicted for dishonest misappropriation of property, he shall be punished with a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine.

If convicted for cheating, he shall be punished with a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

The police advise all credit/debit card holders to call their banks immediately if their cards are lost or stolen, and to adopt the following measures to prevent unauthorised use of their cards:

• Opt for SMS OTP verification for purchases or charges to your credit / debit cards;

• Opt for an SMS to be sent to your handphone for any charges incurred on your credit / debit card;

• Check bank statements and alert the bank immediately should there be any discrepancies or fraudulent charges; and

• Do not give out your credit / debit card details to strangers.

Merchants and sales staff are also advised to exercise vigilance and adopt correct card acceptance procedures when processing credit card transactions.

They should look out for the name and security features on the card face, and should contact their processing bank immediately for advice if they detect anything suspicious.