According to the Police media release, five men between the ages of 16 and 18 have been arrested for their suspected involvement in multiple cases of conspiracy to cheat.
25 Victims
Between February 2022 and 6 April 2022, the Police received nine reports where the victims were approached by the men to earn quick cash by subscribing to new handphone lines that came with a new handphone. The men had also promised to manage the monthly subscription payments. The men allegedly collected the handphone and sold it. The men then remained uncontactable.
Through enquiries, officers from Central Division established the identity of the five men and arrested them during a two-day operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the men had allegedly started the scheme in December 2021 and gave monetary incentives to “runners” for introducing more people to take up the scheme. At least 25 victims are believed to be affected, with the men obtaining wrongful gain of more than S$27,000.
Three men will be charged in court on 8 April 2022 with the offence of cheating with conspiracy under Section 420 read with Section 120B of the Penal Code 1871.
The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
More information on scam prevention
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.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. All information will be kept strictly confidential.