Financial Crime World

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Identity Theft and Financial Crime on the Rise in Singapore

The annual crime statistics in Singapore for 2018 have revealed a disturbing trend: online impersonation scams have increased by about 30% since 2017, with the total amount lost rising by approximately 70% to a staggering S$43 million. These scams, which take various forms including internet love scams, email scams, e-commerce and business scams, are committed for multiple reasons.

To combat this growing menace, authorities and experts are urging individuals to take preventative measures to protect themselves from online impersonation scams. Here are some key steps:

Preventative Measures

Protect Your Information Online

  • Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
  • Install email protection software and be cautious when accessing personal data or bank accounts over public Wi-Fi networks.

Educate Yourself

  • Stay informed about the latest scams designed to deceive individuals into giving away money, personal details, or data. Visit www.scamalert.sg for more information.
  • Call the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 for advice.

Monitor Bank Accounts and Report Suspicious Activity

  • Regularly check your bank account statements for unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

Lodge a Police Report

  • If you have been impersonated online or someone has impersonated another person in a scam, file a police report to initiate an investigation.
  • The perpetrator may be charged with various offenses under the Penal Code.

Charges Under the Penal Code

Cheating by Personation

  • Punishable by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine, or both. Involves knowingly substituting one person for another, or presenting oneself as someone else.

Impersonating a Public Servant

  • Punishable by imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both. Involves pretence of holding an office and assuming the character of that office.

Criminal Defamation

  • Punishable by imprisonment or fine, and involves making or publishing any imputation concerning someone with the intention to cause harm to their reputation.

Civil Action

Victims can also file civil defamation suits seeking compensation if they believe their reputation has been harmed. To prove a case of civil defamation:

  • The statement in question must be defamatory.
  • It must refer to the victim.
  • It must have been published or communicated to a third party.

If you are a victim of online impersonation or scam-related crimes, seek legal advice from a specialist criminal lawyer who can provide guidance on your specific situation.