Woman, 18, arrested for using stolen debit card to spend more than $1,100 on phone, baby products

An 18-year-old woman was arrested for her suspected involvement in using a stolen debit card to top up her mobile wallet and make unauthorised online transactions.

The police said they received a report on June 16 from a victim who had discovered that several unauthorised online transactions had been made with her debit card.

Officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the identity of the woman and arrested her on Monday (June 22).

Preliminary investigations revealed the woman had allegedly stolen the victim's debit card details and used it to top her mobile wallet to make online transactions amounting to more than $1,100.

A mobile phone and baby care products, which were purchased with the stolen debit card details, were seized as case exhibits.

The offence of unauthorised access to computer materials carries a fine of up to $5,000 or up to two years' jail, or both.

The police want to remind members of the public that the unauthorised use of another person's credit/debit card and credit/debit card details is a serious offence.

All credit/debit cardholders are advised to call their card issuing banks immediately if their credit/debit cards are lost/stolen, and to adopt the following crime prevention measures.

• Keep your credit or debit cards safe with you at all times; 

• 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 and alert the bank immediately should there be any discrepancies or unauthorised charges.