Man arrested over online baby products scam

Police said on Friday that the products were priced lower than normal retail prices and the suspect had used his online profile on a social media platform to advertise his service, which "attracted unsuspecting victims to make orders and transfer money into the suspect's bank account as payment".

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Here is the statement from the Singapore Police Force:

Police have arrested a 31-year-old man who is believed to be involved in at least 15 reported cases of online cheating in which he duped victims into buying milk powder and diapers which were never delivered.

The suspect had used his online profile on a social media platform to advertise that he had stock of milk powder and diapers, which were priced lower than the usual retail price.

This attracted unsuspecting victims to make orders and transfer money into the suspect's bank account as payment. Initially, the suspect managed to deliver the ordered items to victims and his popularity increased by word-of-mouth, resulting in even more orders from victims. Soon, the suspect was not able to sustain the orders, yet he continued to accept payments and began to renege on the orders.

Through protracted investigations and extensive follow-up, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the suspect and arrested him on 26 August 2014.

Investigations against the suspect are on-going. The offence of Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code Chapter 224 carries a maximum jail term of up to 10 years imprisonment, and shall also be liable to fine.

Members of public are advised to be prudent and cautious when dealing with unknown persons over the Internet. The police also advise other victims who may have fallen prey to come forward and lodge a police report.