Day: October 15, 2021

On 14 October 2021, H.E. Mr. NASHIDA Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister at Government House.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister extended his best regards to H.E. Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, the former Prime Minister of Japan, and congratulations to H.E. Mr. KISHIDA Fumio on the latter’s assumption of office as the new Prime Minister of Japan. As next year marks the 135th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan, Thailand’s APEC chairmanship as well as its tenure as country coordinator for ASEAN – Japan dialogue relations during 2021 – 2024, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Royal Thai Government to working closely with the Government of Japan to strengthen relations between Thailand and Japan in all dimensions. The Ambassador of Japan also handed to the Thai Prime Minister the note from Prime Minister KISHIDA expressing appreciation for the congratulatory note on the occasion of his assumption of office.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for the cooperation in alleviating the COVID-19 situation in Thailand, particularly the provision of AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in Japan, medical supplies and other related cooperation. The Prime Minister also encouraged Japan to further invest in Thailand, especially in the seven (7) fields of new industries with a view to supporting economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides also discussed the easing of travel restrictions, and welcomed the successful outcomes of the 5th Meeting of the Thailand-Japan High Level Joint Commission (HLJC5) on 11 August 2021 via teleconference.

In addition, both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation in Myanmar, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and ASEAN – Japan relations as well as APEC. The Ambassador also reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to support Thailand’s hosting of APEC in 2022.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand

The Police would like to alert the public to a new trend where scammers posted fake Facebook advertisements following the sale of newly released electronic devices since September 2021. Till date, at least 20 victims have fallen prey to such scams.

In these cases, victims would come across social media posts or Facebook advertisements promoting the sale of these newly released electronic devices, priced below the recommended retail price. Victims who click on these posts would be redirected to communicate with the sellers via the in-app messenger or WhatsApp. During their conversation, the sellers would claim that there were limited stocks and would request for the victims to make an upfront payment or to place a deposit before the delivery of the electronic device. Thereafter, victims would be asked to transfer the money to bank accounts belonging to unknown individuals. Victims would realise that they had been scammed when they did not receive the item as promised and the seller became uncontactable.

The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:

If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources, especially for high value items.

Be wary of purported time-sensitive deals due to limited stocks available.

Avoid making upfront payments to bank accounts belonging to unknown individuals and opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Whenever possible, avoid making advance payments or direct bank transfers to the seller as this method does not offer any protection.

Verify the seller’s profile on online marketplaces through customer reviews and ratings.

If you have information related to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.  Please dial ‘999’ if you require urgent Police assistance.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Join the ‘Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes’ campaign at www.scamalert.sg/fight by signing up as an advocate to receive up-to-date messages and share them with your family and friends.  Together, we can help stop scams and prevent our loved ones from becoming the next victim.

Source: Singapore Police Force

The Police have arrested a 39-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of rental scams.

Between June and October 2021, the Police received reports from several victims of rental scams who had responded to Facebook advertisements offering rental of rooms. After the victims viewed the residential units and paid the deposit via bank transfer, the man purportedly became uncontactable.

Through follow-up investigations, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 14 October 2021. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had allegedly overstayed in Singapore.

The man will be charged in court on 16 October 2021 with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The offence of cheating carries an imprisonment term which may extend to ten years, and a fine. He is also liable for the offence of overstaying in Singapore exceeding 90 days, under Sec 15(3)(b) of the Immigration Act, Cap 133. The offence carries an imprisonment term not exceeding six months and caning.

Members of the public are reminded to be wary of such scams and to adopt the following precautionary measures:

• Ask to visit the property to verify that it exists;
• Ensure the person you deal with is the rightful owner of the unit or an accredited real estate agent; and
• Do not pay rental deposits or rent to the salesperson. Payments should be made directly to the property owner and only after all parties have signed the tenancy agreement.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit 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.

Source: Singapore Police Force

The SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (“SRV”) Scheme was introduced by the Singapore Tourism Board in December 2020 to support local tourism businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore citizens aged 18 and above as of 31 December 2020 are eligible to receive $100 worth of SRV. The SRV can be used to purchase eligible products such as tours, attractions and hotel stays offered by authorised merchants listed on the websites of authorised booking partners.

On 27 September 2021, the Police arrested three persons linked to an authorised merchant, Continental Travel Singapore Pte Ltd, for their involvement in a series of suspected fraudulent SRV redemptions. They had allegedly engaged in cashback arrangements by offering cash to consumers for redeeming their SRV through the purchase of the merchant’s local tours. Such arrangements are prohibited under the SRV Scheme, and police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The Police take a serious view of any attempt to defraud government support schemes. Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions when using their SRV, to avoid being involved in fraudulent schemes or unwittingly becoming accomplices to fraudsters:

• Do not exchange your SRV for cash, credit, cash voucher(s), gift voucher(s), gift card(s) or other cash-equivalents.
• Do not resell your SRV or bookings purchased using your SRV for value.
• Do not transfer your SRV and/or voucher code to another person.
• Do not share your SingPass account information and personal particulars with others.

Source: Singapore Police Force