Woman buys iPhone 16 Pro Max from stranger in Paya Lebar for S$600, finds out it's fake

The Singapore police have arrested two men, aged 34 and 40, for their suspected involvement in a case involving the sale of counterfeit mobile phones.

On Mar. 12, 2025, the police received a report from a victim who was allegedly cheated by the 40-year-old man.

He had approached her at City Plaza in Paya Lebar and sold her a counterfeit iPhone 16 Pro Max for S$600.

After the transaction, the victim was unable to log into her Apple ID account.

The victim then brought the phone to an authorised retailer and ascertained that the mobile phone was a counterfeit.

The identity of the 40-year-old man was established through follow-up investigations.

He and his younger accomplice were arrested on Mar. 19.

A total of 22 counterfeit mobile phones, charging cables, and cash amounting to more than S$1,000 were seized as case exhibits.

Both men will be charged in court on Mar. 20 with the offence of cheating.

The offence carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.

The police advised the public to be cautious when approached by strangers offering to sell luxury items, especially at significantly discounted prices.

Those with information related to such scams can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.

More information on scams is available at www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Top photo via SPF