Credit-for-sex scammers continue to see brisk business, even as many establishments have shut their doors to customers in light of the nationwide circuit breaker (CB) measures, in place since Apr. 7.

At least 20 male victims went to the police to report being scammed, between Apr. 18 and Apr. 29, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said, on Apr. 30.

The victims were between 18 to 52 years of age and had been cheated of more than S$50,000.

These victims had left their homes to procure sexual services, either by purchasing gift cards or using AXS machines, which was a non-essential activity, SPF said.

Hence, they found themselves getting slapped with a composition fine of S$300 for flouting safe distancing regulations.

Here's how a typical case went down, according to SPF:

• Victims befriended the scammers or searched for sexual services through online applications such as WeChat, Tinder and Michat, or websites such as Locanto and Skokka.
• Victims were instructed to either make advance payments for the sexual services via AliPay credits at AXS machines, or purchase iTunes or Google Play gift cards and send over the redemption codes.
• The scammers became uncontactable after the advance payments were made.

There were also instances where scammers would proactively approach the victims through these online applications or websites to offer sexual services.

Police advise public to take crime prevention measures

SPF said that members of the public should adopt the following crime prevention measures:

• Be wary of friend requests or online listings offering escort, massage or sexual services as they may be fraudulent in nature.
• Scammers may employ scare tactics to threaten victims into making more payments. Remain calm and do not accede to their requests.
• Do not give out personal details such as your credit card information.

Those with information relating to credit-for-sex scams can call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit online on the I-Witness website.

They can also call the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg to seek scam-related advice.

Credit-for-sex scams on the rise

Credit-for-sex scams are on the rise in the midst of the Covid-19 global pandemic.

From Jan. 1 to Mar. 31 this year, SPF received 237 reports of credit-for-sex scams, involving a total of more than S$613,000.

The number of cases increased 40.2 per cent, when compared to the same period in 2019. Scammers managed to get S$211,000 more from their victims than in the previous period.

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Top image via SPF and tp.edu.sg