Criteria to Distinguish Scams from Civil or Commercial Disputes

Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how does the Singapore Police Force determine whether a case is classified as a scam in situations where a seller fails to complete a transaction and multiple buyers are affected; and (b) what criteria are used to distinguish such cases from civil or commercial disputes.

Sellers who deceive victims into making payments without any intent to provide the goods or service may be liable for cheating under the Penal Code. If the seller failed to provide the goods or service but did not have fraudulent intent, no cheating offence would be disclosed and the buyer may seek redress through civil remedies.

In determining if a case is a scam, the Police assess each case based on its facts and circumstances, for example, whether the seller impersonated a legitimate shop or became uncontactable immediately after receiving payment.