The Police have arrested a 26-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of hotel booking scams.
Between 16 and 20 March 2018, the Police received multiple reports from victims who were purportedly cheated by an online seller who had advertised attractive hotel room reservation deals on online platforms. The seller became uncontactable after payments were made. At least S$3,000 were cheated from the victims.
Officers from Central Police Division conducted extensive investigations and established the identity of the suspect. He was subsequently arrested on 20 March 2018.
Investigations are ongoing. Any persons found guilty of Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, shall be punished with an imprisonment term which may extend up to 10 years, and shall also be liable to a fine.
While booking hotels online is convenient, the police would like to advise members of the public to take the following precautions when making reservations:
- Book hotel rooms only from authorised dealers. If advanced payments are required, use booking platforms that provide arrangements to only release your payment to the seller upon your receipt of the service; and
- Bear in mind that the party that you are dealing with online is a stranger. Whenever possible, pay only upon successful check-in.
