The Police have arrested nine men, aged between 19 and 21, and four women, aged between 19 and 22, for their suspected involvement in the recent spate of OCBC Bank phishing scams reported between December 2021 and January 2022.
The Police have been closely monitoring reports of the OCBC Bank phishing scams since its inception in December 2021. Through thorough investigations and extensive probes, the identities of 13 persons suspected to be involved in the OCBC Bank phishing scams were established. Police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested all the 13 identified suspects in an island-wide operation mounted on 16 and 17 February 2022. An array of mobile devices, bank cards, SIM cards, cash amounting $2,760 and two Rolex watches, worth a total of $35,600 was seized.
On 18 February 2022, seven male suspects were charged with assisting another to retain benefits from criminal conduct, punishable under section 44(5)(a) of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, Chapter 65A (“CDSA”). The offence carries an imprisonment term not exceeding 10 years, a fine not exceeding $500,000, or both. The seven men have been remanded for further investigations. Police investigations are ongoing against the other six suspects.
The Police will spare no effort to track down any person who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law. To avoid being an accomplice to crimes, members of the public should always reject requests by others to use your bank account or mobile lines as you will be held accountable if these are linked to crimes.
Combatting scams requires a whole of society effort. While Police have stepped up our enforcement efforts, members of the public still play a vital role in the fight against scams. A discerning and well-informed public is the best defence against evolving scam tactics. We urge members of the public to be individually alert, and to help raise collective awareness by sharing scam prevention tips with your friends and your family.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Source: Singapore Police Force