Man cheated elderly victims by claiming to be from charity

SINGAPORE - Police have arrested a 55-year-old man in connection with several cases of cheating island-wide involving elderly victims.

From April to August 2013, four cases of cheating were reported by elderly victims involving a male suspect who claimed to be a representative from a charitable or community organisation.

The suspect offered to obtain monetary assistance on behalf of the victims in return for an upfront payment. However, after receiving the upfront payment, the suspect became uncontactable.

Through enquiries, police officers managed to establish the identity of the suspect. He was arrested at Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 on Sept 5, 2013 at about 8.30am.

The suspect will be charged in court on Sept 7 for the offence of cheating under Sec 420 of the Penal Code, Cap 224. The offence of cheating carries a punishment of imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and a fine.