270 people in police probe for involvement in scams where victims lost $5.4m
The scams include e-commerce scams, phishing scams, job scams and impersonation scams.
A police investigation in Singapore has uncovered 270 individuals suspected of involvement in scams, resulting in victims losing a combined total of approximately $5.4 million. The suspects, comprising 185 men and 85 women aged between 15 and 80, are currently assisting law enforcement in probing 660 scams, which include e-commerce fraud, phishing attempts, job scams, impersonations of government officials, investment schemes, and lottery scams.
The two-week operation, conducted from July 30 to August 12, involved officers from the Cyber Command and seven police land divisions.
Those found guilty of cheating, money laundering, or operating without a payment services license face severe penalties, with cheating punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine, money laundering carrying a maximum of 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $500,000, and operating without a license potentially leading to three years in prison, a fine of up to $125,000, or both.
Scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates can expect mandatory caning of at least six strokes and up to 24, while scam mules who assist by laundering proceeds or providing SIM cards or Singpass credentials may face discretionary caning up to 12 strokes.
The police have provided resources for those seeking information on scams, including the ScamShield website (www.scamshield.gov.sg) and the ScamShield Helpline (1799). Individuals with information on scams can contact the police hotline (1800-255-0000) or submit details online through the police's "I Witness" portal (www.police.gov.sg/i-witness). The police have assured the public that all information will be kept strictly confidential.
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