Four arrested for alleged Facebook scams

[Cao Pi]

Four arrested for alleged Facebook scams
Posted: 09 September 2010 1514 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Four people connected to a series of Facebook scams have been arrested.

Between June and July this year, the police received several complaints that a Facebook user, by the name of "Nicole Tay", allegedly cheated at least 16 men of more than S$10,000.

The suspect was believed to have used a fictitious Facebook account, claiming that "she" could not afford to pay rent and was in urgent need of money.

After receiving payment, "Nicole" would disappear.

On August 30, the police mounted an operation around Commonwealth Crescent and arrested two male teenagers aged 16 and 17.

Early investigations found that they assisted in the crime by allowing their bank accounts to be used.

A 31-year-old man, believed to be the mastermind, was arrested in Jurong West on September 8.

His 24-year-old female accomplice was also arrested.

The alleged mastermind is expected to be charged today with cheating.

If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to ten years and a possible fine. - CNA/fa

 

[chowka]

Man charged with cheating


Sep 9, 2010
Man charged with cheating

By Elena Chong

Shawn Goh Eng Hwee, 31, posed as a woman online to milk his victims for money, supposedly for rent. --- PHOTO: CRO

A MAN who allegedly posed as a woman on the Facebook social networking site to cheat victims into parting with their money was brought to court on Thursday. Shawn Goh Eng Hwee, 31, is said to have, together with two teens, cheated Mr Patrick Loh Jin Kun into believing that he needed $480 as a loan to pay rental and induced him to transfer the sum to a POSB account as a loan.

The alleged offence took place at about 1.50am at Block 521 Hougang on July 3. Goh, represented by Mr Ravinderpal Singh, was remanded for a week for further investigation.

When the unemployed man asked for bail, the prosecution objected, saying he was facing multiple charges of cheating. A police statement said between June and July police received several reports that a Facebook user by the name of Nicole Tay was alleged to have cheated at least 16 male netizens of over $10,000.