STOMP it anytime, anywhere.
Download the new STOMP app today.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of e-commerce scams involving the sale of e-scooters via online marketplace Carousell.
The police said in a statement that they received several reports between late April and early May from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller who was selling e-scooters.
After payments were made by the victims via bank transfers, the seller became uncontactable.
Through follow-up investigations and in collaboration with Carousell, officers from the Commercial Affairs Department established the identity of the man and arrested him at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 on May 5.
E-scooter that was found in the man’s possession. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
Preliminary investigations revealed the man is believed to be involved in at least five cases of e-commerce scams amounting to $3,000.
Police investigations are ongoing.
The offence of cheating is punishable with an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, and a fine.
The police said they take a serious view of people who may be involved in scams and frauds: "Perpetrators will be dealt with, in accordance with the law."
They advise members of the public to be very careful when making online purchases:
Opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller.
Scammers may entice buyers to contact them directly through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat by offering a better or faster deal if bank transfer payments are made directly to them. They may also use a local bank account or provide a copy of an NRIC/driver’s licence to make you believe that they are genuine sellers. Do not fall for it!
If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high-value items.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam hotline at 1800-722-6688.
Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.