Boy, 9, steals almost S$6,000 from family to buy Roblox gift cards, mum laments loss of 3 months' worth of salary

A couple noticed the cash in their drawer was dwindling and their daughter's pocket money was disappearing.

After investigating, they discovered their nine-year-old son had been taking the money to buy cards for the online game Roblox.

He stole nearly S$6,000 from his family.

Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the boy's mother, 50-year-old stall assistant Xu (transliteration), said that her son was addicted to Roblox and, over the past three months, stole money to spend on Roblox Gift Cards.

Roblox is an online game platform and game creation system that allows users to create their own games and experiences.

The Roblox Gift Cards contain in-game credits that can be used on virtual items, or to access more in-game content.

Sister's pocket money

Xu told Shin Min that when she asked her son about it, he hesitated and did not dare to admit that he had taken the money.

Xu later discovered that he had stolen S$4,000 of his sister's pocket money, which she had saved over a long period, to buy the gift cards.

She added that he would purchase the gift cards at a convenience store below their HDB block at Boon Keng.

He even gave some of the gift cards to friends.

Both parents work and do not earn a lot, and were heartbroken and angry that they were unable to get back the money that had been deposited into the game.

Once, Xu checked her son's Roblox account and discovered that he had over 230,000 points, which was equivalent to more than S$3,000, according to Shin Min.

"My monthly salary is S$2,000 and I take home S$1,600. To see him spend almost three months' worth of salary in one go was really painful," she said.

Scolding

Xu told Shin Min that her son was scolded by his father after the incident, but that the couple is more worried about the boy's attitude towards money and his gaming addiction.

She also wondered whether such convenience stores should warn or stop underage customers from making large purchases.

Xu questioned whether there should be some controls, especially if the shops are operating close to schools.

"I hope the relevant authorities will take note of this," she added.

Xu urged other parents to be more vigilant and monitor their children's online spending habits.

"I don't want more families to end up like us, with our hard-earned money being spent on games," she said to Shin Min Daily News.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News & Roblox