Man arrested over role in purchase of e-wallets from work permit holders for scams
The 21-year-old is set to be charged in court on Aug 27 with cheating.
Police have arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of orchestrating a scheme to purchase e-wallets from work permit holders for use in scams. The young suspect, who faces cheating charges, is scheduled to appear in court on August 27. Since May, authorities allege he accessed work permit holders' Singpass accounts to secure e-wallets, which they reportedly received $50 each for.
These e-wallets were then used to facilitate scams amounting to at least $9,792. Police operations on August 25 and 26 helped identify the suspect and work permit holders, leading to his arrest. He could face fines or up to three years in prison if convicted. Ongoing investigations target the work permit holders for alleged abetment of cheating, punishable by fines or up to three years in jail.
Authorities warn against accepting quick financial gains in exchange for sensitive information, urging individuals not to share Singpass passwords or two-factor authentication details with unknown parties. Scam-related losses dropped to $410.6 million in the first half of 2026, compared to $500.2 million in the same period in 2025.
Despite efforts to disrupt over 47,000 scam-related mobile lines and 52,200 malicious websites, eight out of ten victims still fall prey to scams. For scam prevention tips, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield helpline at 1799. Confidential tips can be submitted to the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or via www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.
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