5 People Arrested for Mask Scams in Carousell; Police Issues Advisory

A: Have you heard about the Covid-19 situation?

B: Yes, it’s terrible, isn’t it?

A: So many people are dying in China. And just yesterday, four more cases were confirmed here in Singapore, meaning there are a total of 81 cases.

B: Woah.

A: Yeah, that’s why everyone’s stocking up on face masks and why many supermarkets have run out of them.

B: Wait, are you thinking what I’m thinking?

A: That this is a horrible situation and that I hope it gets better soon?

B: Nope… Profit.

A: Huh?

B: We can buy a huge supply of masks and re-sell them at high prices.

A: You’re a despicable person.

B: Despicably RICH maybe.

A: Why am I even friends with you?

B: Because I’ll give you 50%?

A: DEAL.

Humans are opportunistic creatures and even in the midst of an epidemic, only one thing matters: money.

But unfortunately for these humans, they might have forgotten about the existence of the men and women in blue.

5 People Arrested for Mask Scams in Carousell; Police Issues Advisory

Four men and one woman have been arrested after they allegedly scammed customers on Carousell in a sale of face masks.

The suspects are aged between 17 and 26.

The police said on Tuesday (18 Feb) that from late January, they had received several reports from people claiming they had been cheated by sellers after trying to buy masks on Carousell.

According to TODAYonline, the sellers then became evasive and uncontactable after these buyers had made payment via bank transfers.

The scammers probably thought they had got away with it, but fortunately for the victims, the police managed to establish the identities of the five suspects and took the following actions:

• A 24-year-old woman was arrested on 3 Feb. The police suspect her of being involved in more than 40 cases of e-commerce scams amounting to more than S$2,500. She was charged with cheating on 5 Feb. If she’s convicted, she faces up to 10 years’ jail and a fine.
• A 26-year-old man was arrested on 6 Feb. He is alleged to be involved in more than two cases of e-commerce scams amounting to about S$500. Investigations are ongoing.
• A 25-year-old man was arrested on 10 Feb. He is suspected of being involved in more than seven cases of e-commerce scams amounting to about S$1,000. Investigations are ongoing.
• A 22-year-old man was arrested on 18 Feb, alleged to be involved in more than four cases of e-commerce scams amounting to at least S$196. The police said that he will be charged with cheating on 19 Feb.
• A 17-year-old man was arrested on 18 Feb. He is alleged to be involved in at least five cases of e-commerce scams amounting to more than S$500. He will be charged with cheating on 20 Feb.

In addition to this scam, the police said they are also looking into 90 complaints alleging that a company, MedicalLex, had failed to deliver the masks they had bought online.

Goody Feed understands that MedicalLex has cancelled some orders and promised refunds, though the refunds have not been processed yet.

The police also added that they take a serious view of those people who tried to scam others, and reminded us not to make payment or deposit in advance, adding, “Do not fall for this.”

Everyone seems to be doing it

If you read our articles every day, you’re probably aware that many people are trying to profit from this surge in demand for face masks.

Like that man who scammed his victim out of $175,000 on Carousell in a sale involving face masks.

Or that retailer who continued to sell masks at high prices despite government intervention.

The authorities (and Goody Feed) would like to advise members of the public to be rational when considering purchases.

I mean, you don’t even need it when you’re well, so is it really rational to buy a thousand at one go? Hopefully the virus will be gone tomorrow and all your masks will be rendered useless.