Seen such job ads for 'payment helpers'? It's illegal and 11 women are being investigated

The police are investigating eleven women, aged between 18 and 36, for carrying on payment service businesses and advertising payment services without a licence.

The police said in a statement that eight of the women, aged between 20 and 36, for carrying out unlicensed payment service businesses.

They had offered their own bank accounts to assist in transferring money to other bank accounts in return for a commission.

The other three women, aged between 18 and 19, are being investigated for advertising their services on social media platforms to process payments via bank transfers, PayNow and PayLah.

Under Section 5 of the Payment Services Act 2019, it is an offence for anyone to carry on a business of providing any type of payment services in Singapore without a license unless he is exempted under the Act.

Section 9 of the Payment Services Act 2019 prohibits the offer, invitation or advertisement relating to the provision of any type of payment services by any person who is not licensed or exempted under the Act.

Individuals who are convicted of an offence under Section 5 and Section 9 of the Payment Services Act 2019 can be fined up to S$125,000 or be jailed for up to three years, or both.

"The police would like to caution job seekers to be wary and avoid being made use of by criminals to carry out payment transfers," the statement said.

"To avoid becoming involved in money laundering activities, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use their bank accounts.

"Members of the public should not offer, invite or advertise for payment services."

Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline, 1800-255-0000, or submit information at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.