On 21 Sep 11, a female Singaporean almost fell prey to a scam by a suspect whom she befriended on an Internet dating website. The person she befriended, purportedly a male foreigner, told her that he would be coming to Singapore and wanted to meet her.
Believing the story, the Singaporean woman went to Changi Airport to receive this new-found friend. Whilst waiting for him, she received a call from an unknown person who claimed to be an Immigration Officer. The latter told her that her “friend” had been detained for bringing excess money into Singapore and that in order to secure his release, she needs to transfer a sum of $13,800 to a bank account. Fortunately, the Singaporean woman sensed something was amiss and reported the matter to the Police.
Two more similar cases have been reported recently on 17 Dec and 22 Dec 11. In one of these cases, the victim transferred $3,500 to a bank account.
Police have classified the two recent cases as cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Offenders found guilty for this offence may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Members of public are advised to be aware of such scams and to adopt the following measures:
- Be extra cautious in befriending strangers on the internet.
- Do not make any bank transfer payment for bail or fine. The authorities do not require any such transfer of money.
- Do not entertain emails or any online messages that are unfamiliar to you.
- A culprit might spend months building rapport online before asking for money. Even if you think you know this person well, consider that you really do not know anyone from your communications over the Internet - you just know the way he/she chooses to present himself online.
Anyone who encounters similar incidents to call the Police hotline at 1800-255 0000 or ‘999’ if urgent Police assistance is required.
ORIGINAL SOURCE
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