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Police arrest scam cheats
By S Ramesh | Posted: 28 July 2011 2037 hrs
SINGAPORE: Police have arrested a 56-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman for a scam where they cheated and persuaded people to transfer money.
In a statement, police said they received at least eight reports since July 6 where victims were cheated of between S$2000 and S$4000.
The victims were contacted over the phone with offers to assist them in claiming various government benefits such as income tax rebates, government workfare bonuses and baby bonuses.
They were instructed to proceed to an ATM and follow the caller's instructions.
Upon reaching the ATM, the victims were given instructions to key in their transactions and were told that they would be contacted again.
When the victims subsequently did not receive any calls, they checked with their banks and realised they were cheated and had transferred money to another account.
Officers from Jurong Police Division identified the culprits and the male suspect was arrested along Bedok Reservoir Road on Thursday at about 10.30pm.
The female suspect was arrested in a follow-up operation on Friday at about 2.40pm.
Officers managed to recover bank books and ATM cards in relation to the cases.
The male suspect will be charged in court on Friday and the female suspect will be charged on Saturday respectively for cheating.
If convicted, they can be jailed for up to 10 years and also fined.
- CNA/fa/ac
