Victim gives $29k to 'cash mule' after getting duped by scammer posing as MAS officer
A 23-year-old man was arrested after allegedly acting as a cash mule in a scam involving more than $29,000.
The police received a report on July 8 from a victim who had handed over the money to a "cash mule" after being instructed to by a scammer posing as an official from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
The man was arrested the next day, on July 9, while allegedly attempting to collect more money from the same victim.
Police soon discovered that he had allegedly been tasked to collect cash and hand it over to an unknown person in Malaysia.
He is believed to be involved in other similar cases, and will be charged on July 11 with the offence of assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct.
Those found guilty could face a jail term of up to ten years, or a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
The police advise the public not to transfer or hand over money or valuables to unverified individuals.
Members of the public are encouraged to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- ADD - Add the ScamShield app to block calls and filter SMSes. Set transaction limits that are adequate for daily expenses, and lower transaction notification thresholds. Alert the bank immediately of any suspicious activity in your bank account. Activate the money lock feature of your bank to "lock up" a portion of your money so that it cannot be transferred out digitally by anyone.
- CHECK - Check for scam signs with official sources such as the ScamShield app. Call and check with the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799.
- TELL - Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately and make a police report.
If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
If you require urgent police assistance, dial '999'.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799.
