Woman arrested after spending $17,000 with stolen credit card info

A 20-year-old woman has been arrested for her suspected involvement in using stolen credit card information to make unauthorised transactions amounting to more than $17,000.

The police said in a statement that they were alerted to a case of suspected fraud using mobile wallets on May 20.

Officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the identity of the woman and arrested her on May 21.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman and another female accomplice had allegedly provisioned stolen credit card information in mobile wallets and used them to make several unauthorised transactions amounting to more than $17,000.

Eighteen mobile phones, hand luggage, a dress and two plastic carriers were seized as case exhibits.

Efforts are still underway to trace her accomplice.

The woman will be charged in court on Tuesday with abetment by conspiracy to cheat.

The offence carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

The police said: "Unauthorised use of another person's credit/debit card information is a serious offence.

"The police take a serious view against any person who commits fraud, and the perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law."

All credit/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's

• 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'ts

• Do not give out your credit or debit card details to unknown persons;

• Do not reveal your OTPs to anyone; and

• Do not expose your credit or debit cards. Keep them in your purse or wallet until you are ready to make your purchases.