Singapore arrests three over alleged stolen card fraud targeting high-end tech goods

Three men have been arrested in Singapore on October 26 and 27 for allegedly using stolen credit and debit card details to commit payment fraud targeting high-end tech goods, according to police reports.

The arrest came after the police were alerted to suspicious behaviour at a retail establishment on Rochor Canal Road near the end of October. A 36-year-old man had already purchased two graphics cards, worth more than S$2,700 (RM8,600), using a mobile wallet on a previous visit. Upon returning to the store with the intention of buying additional components valued at over S$4,000, store staff became suspicious and alerted security, who subsequently detained the man and notified the police.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had received instructions through a mobile application to carry out these high-value purchases using a mobile wallet. After the transactions, he allegedly handed over the stolen items to his accomplices, who were waiting in a rental vehicle before departing.

Two accomplices, aged 25 and 27, were identified through follow-up investigations, using CCTV footage and police cameras. Although the duo had left the scene by then, they were subsequently arrested at Changi Airport. Additional investigations uncovered that the two men had also been involved in at least one other case of payment fraud at a different store.

The three men were taken into custody and charged with abetting conspiracy to cheat. If found guilty, they could face up to 10 years in jail and a substantial fine. The police emphasized the seriousness of such offenses, warning that anyone involved in scams and frauds will be held accountable. They also urged the public to exercise caution when making online payments, using only trusted websites, and safeguarding their card details to prevent identity theft. Anyone with a lost or stolen card should immediately contact their bank.