Covid-19: 4 men, 1 woman arrested for separate e-commerce scams involving face masks

SINGAPORE — Four men and a woman aged between 17 and 26 have been arrested for their alleged role in five separate e-commerce scams involving the sale of face masks on online marketplace Carousell.

In a media release on Tuesday (Feb 18), the police said that from late January, it had received several reports from individuals who said that they had been cheated by sellers after trying to buy masks on Carousell.

The sellers became evasive and uncontactable after these buyers had made payment via bank transfers.

Through investigations and working closely with Carousell, the police established the identities of the five suspects and took the following action:

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   A 24-year-old woman was arrested on Feb 3. She is believed to be involved in more than 40 cases of e-commerce scams amounting to more than S$2,500. She was charged with cheating on Feb 5. If convicted she faces up to 10 years’ jail and a fine.

• A 26-year-old man was arrested on Feb 6. He is alleged to be involved in more than two cases of e-commerce scams amounting to about S$500. Investigations are ongoing.

• A 25-year-old man was arrested on Feb 10. He is allegedly involved in more than seven cases of e-commerce scams amounting to about S$1,000. Investigations are ongoing.

• A 22-year-old man was arrested on Feb 18, suspected be involved in more than four cases of e-commerce scams amounting to at least S$196. The police said that he will be charged with cheating on Feb 19.

• A 17-year-old man was arrested on Feb 18. He is alleged to be involved in at least five cases of e-commerce scams amounting to more than S$500. He will be charged with cheating on Feb 20.

The police also said that they are looking into more than 90 reports from individuals alleging that a company, MedicalLex, had failed to deliver the masks they had bought online.

 Especially during this period of the Covid-19 outbreak, the authorities would like to advise members of the public to be rational when considering purchases.

People who are trying to con consumers may use a Singapore bank account or provide a copy of a national registration identity card or driver’s licence to make the public believe that they are genuine sellers.

“Do not fall for this,” the police said, adding that members of the public should avoid making payments or deposits in advance.

The police added that they take a serious view of those who take advantage of the current Covid-19 situation to perpetrate crimes. All offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law.

Those with information on such scams may call the police at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online.