Scam victim passed $15k cash to stranger for 'safekeeping' out of fear he would be arrested
A 35-year-old Malaysian man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in two separate Government Official Impersonation Scam (GOIS) cases, the police said on Nov 13.
The police received two reports on Nov 11 and 12 involving callers who impersonated officials purportedly from the Ministry of Law and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
In the first case, the victim was contacted by someone claiming to be from UnionPay, who alleged that she had an insurance policy that was expiring. When she denied this, she was told that her identity had been misused and the matter would be referred to the police.
She later received another call from someone posing as a government official, who instructed her to withdraw $9,000 in cash and hand it to a representative. She was then told to buy more than $170,000 worth of gold for 'investigations'.
When she attempted to make the purchase at a UOB branch, alert staff intervened, preventing further losses.
In the second case, a victim was similarly told that his bank account had been misused and was instructed to hand over cash for 'safekeeping'. He was also warned
that he would be arrested if he failed to comply with the instructions.
Out of fear, he withdrew and handed over $15,000 to an unknown person.
Following extensive ground enquiries, officers from the Anti-Scam Command identified the collector involved in both cases. The man was arrested on Nov 12 when he attempted to depart Singapore.
Preliminary investigations reveal that he had allegedly been instructed by unknown persons - believed to be part of a transnational syndicate - to collect cash from scam victims and pass it on to them.
He will be charged in court on Nov 14 with abetment by conspiracy to assist another to retain benefits from criminal conduct under Section 51 of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992. The offence carries up to 10 years' jail, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.
Police noted a rising trend of Malaysian nationals travelling to Singapore to help scam syndicates collect cash, gold and valuables. They stressed that perpetrators will face firm action.
Members of the public are reminded not to hand money or valuables to unknown individuals, and that Singapore government agencies will never:
- Ask for money transfers.
- Request bank login details.
- Ask for installation of apps from unofficial stores, or
- Transfer calls to the police.
Anyone with information on such crimes should call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit details via www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
