Reports Lodged by Persons Whose Addresses Have Been Used in Purchase of Goods Scams

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in each of the past three years, how many reports have been lodged by persons whose addresses have been used by scammers for the purpose of inducing victims of scams to collect goods that they have been cheated into purchasing from the said addresses; (b) what is the offence classification of such cases and whether the Police investigates such cases; and (c) what measures can be taken to provide assistance to such persons.

Typically, scam victims mention a falsely declared but genuine address when making a police report. The Police do not specifically track this particular modus operandi. The Police also do not track the number of reports lodged by homeowners whose addresses have been misused by scammers.

Regardless of who files the report, depending on the facts of the case, the scammers may be liable for a cheating offence under section 420 of the Penal Code.

Where a Police report has been made, the Police will investigate the case if there is reasonable suspicion that a criminal offence was committed. The Police will also work with the relevant online platforms to remove suspected scam content, as well as disable the e-commerce and social media accounts involved.