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Singapore’s Fraud Investigation Procedures: A Guide to Understanding Criminal and Civil Proceedings
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Fraud can strike at any moment, affecting individuals and businesses alike with devastating financial and reputational consequences. In Singapore, there are two primary categories of fraud - criminal and civil proceedings - each with its own set of procedures, legal consequences, and remedies.
Criminal Fraud in Singapore: A Serious Offence
The state prosecutes criminal fraud, which refers to fraudulent activities that are considered serious crimes. Examples of criminal fraud include:
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Forgery
The punishment for criminal fraud is severe, with penalties including:
- Imprisonment
- Caning
- Fines
What is Cheating?
In Singapore, the governing law is the Penal Code, which defines cheating as intentional deception that induces someone to deliver property or do something dishonestly. Under Section 415 of the Penal Code, a person convicted of cheating can face up to:
- Three years’ imprisonment
- A fine
Common Cheating Offences
Some common cheating offences include:
- Unauthorised use of someone else’s credit/debit card
- Unauthorised computer access with intent to commit fraud
- Forgery for the purpose of cheating
The punishment for these crimes ranges from:
- Imprisonment for up to 10 years
- A fine of up to $500,000
Civil Fraud in Singapore: A Guide to Recovery
Civil fraud refers to when a victim makes a claim against a fraudster through civil litigation. In Singapore, civil fraud can take the form of:
- Breach of contract
- Misrepresentation
- Fraudulent misappropriation of assets
Victims of fraud may file a civil claim to recover their losses and obtain damages, compensation, and other relevant remedies.
What to Do if You’re a Victim of Fraud in Singapore
If you’ve been victimised by fraud, it’s essential to take action quickly. You can:
- File a civil claim against the scammer to recover your money and order them to compensate you for your losses
However, seeking legal advice is crucial to ensure that you understand the financial implications of pursuing an enforcement order.
Deadline for Suing for Fraud in Singapore
For a civil claim, you have six years from the date the cause of action arose to sue for fraud. Understanding the differences between criminal and civil fraud is vital for anyone who has been a victim of fraud or wishes to avoid becoming one.
Conclusion
Criminal fraud and civil fraud are two distinct entities that require different approaches and legal procedures. By understanding the intricacies of each, individuals and businesses can better protect themselves against fraudulent activities and seek justice when they’ve been wronged.