Arrest Made in Credit Card Fraud Case Involving Government Official Impersonation Scams
The Police have apprehended a 48-year-old woman suspected of using another person’s credit card credentials to execute unauthorized transactions exceeding $262,000. This arrest follows a series of reports received on June 11, 2025, from victims of Government Official Impersonation Scams (GOIS), where scammers posed as staff from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Details of the Scam
Victims reported that they were deceived into believing they were communicating with legitimate officials, leading them to transfer money that was subsequently directed to a credit card controlled by the scammers. Investigations by the Commercial Affairs Department revealed that the owner of the credit card was also a victim of the scam. He had been misled into applying for a credit card and subsequently handed over his credentials to the scammer.
Arrest and Investigation
The investigation led to the identification of the 48-year-old woman, who was arrested on June 14, 2025, while attempting to make a purchase at a jewelry store. Preliminary findings indicated that she had stored the stolen credit card credentials on her mobile app and had made several fraudulent purchases, including gold bars and jewelry, intending to pass these items to the scammers.
The woman is set to be charged in court on June 16, 2025, with Abetment by Conspiracy to Commit Cheating under Section 420 read with Section 109 of the Penal Code 1871. This offense carries a potential imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Advice for Merchants and Cardholders
In light of this incident, merchants and sales staff are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to proper card acceptance procedures when processing credit and debit card transactions. They should verify the name and security features on the card and contact their processing bank immediately if they notice any suspicious activity.
Additionally, the Police advise all credit and debit card holders to take the following precautions to prevent unauthorized use of their cards:
- Opt for SMS notifications for any charges incurred on your credit/debit card.
- Regularly check bank statements and report any discrepancies or fraudulent charges to the bank immediately.
- Do not share your credit/debit card details with strangers.
For more information on scams, the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Anyone with information regarding such scams is encouraged to contact the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness in preventing financial fraud and protecting personal information.