An 18-year-old male teenager was arrested on May 11, 2020 for his suspected involvement in a sexual service scam.

Scammed 24-year-old man of S$5,869

According to a police statement, a 24-year-old man made a police report after he was allegedly duped into making multiple payments amounting to S$5,869 between March 26 and April 10.

The victim had earlier responded to an online advertisement for sexual services from a woman, whom he did not get to meet.

The police established the identity of the suspect after investigations and arrested him on May 11.

Investigations are still ongoing.

If convicted, the suspect can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

Sex scam victims may also get fined if found breaching CB rules

Credit-for-sex scammers continue to rack up victims, 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 April 30.

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

The 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 each for flouting safe distancing regulations.

Those with information relating to credit-for-sex scams can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit a report 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.

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Top image via SPF