The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is investigating a case of possible abuse of the Covid-19 Temporary Relief Fund (TRF).

Man reportedly abused Covid-19 TRF, investigations ongoing

The financial aid is meant for those who have lost their jobs or face a 30 per cent loss of income due to Covid-19, and help with basic living expenses, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said,

According to a joint statement released by SPF and MSF, they were alerted to the incident after an Internet user made an online post, claiming that he was able to obtain the TRF aid without any documents and that the system was “so simple to cheat”.

The police have identified a 41-year-old Singaporean man, and investigations are ongoing.

The police are also aware that there are advertisements on social media purportedly selling forged payslips for the purpose of making fraudulent TRF claims.

"MSF and the Police treat such cases seriously and will not hesitate to take action against anyone who abuses and/or facilitates the abuse of the TRF."

Members of the public are warned that these advertisements may be scams and are advised not to respond to them," the statement wrote.

Man boasted on HardWareZone forum about abusing TRF

Previously, an online user, Vince5877, took to HardwareZone forum to post about the experience of receiving S$500 from the TRF despite not having offered any documents.

In the post, the user attached a screen shot of what appeared to be an email from DBS bank, which said, "You have received SGD 500.00 from PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION to your account via PayNow."

In a Facebook post, the Minister for Social and Family Development, Desmond Lee, addressed the original forum post by Vince5877, and said that the government agencies involved have made the application for the TRF "more flexible and responsive".

Referring to the screenshot, Lee said that "a very small number of people are taking advantage of the schemes, or encouraging others who do not need help to try to “cheat” the system".

He emphasised that those who "cheat" the system are doing so at the "expense of many Singaporeans who are in genuine crisis" and that the abuse disheartened him and his colleagues.

He ended the post by mentioning that the current priority is to disburse the TRF and other help schemes and any reports of abuse might be dealt with at a later date by the Minister of Home Affairs, K. Shanmugam, and his officers and "to have a chat" with those who abuse the system.

Top image via Hardwarezone user, Desmond Lee/Facebook