Phone and internet love scams more prevalent in S’pore
More Singaporeans were duped by internet love scams and lottery or kidnap phone scams last year, according to the police.
In its annual report on crime situation in Singapore, the police highlighted that the total number of reported phone scam cases increased from 652 cases in 2010 to 828 cases in 2011.
The report also pointed out other key concerns, such as the failure to deliver goods and services, and inducing victims to purchase counterfeit goods.
Crimes involving the former rose by 52 per cent last year from 324 cases in 2010 to 493 cases, while the latter increased by 135 per cent, from 37 cases in 2010 to 87 cases.
However, the police noted that overall crime last year was a 20-year low as it fell by 5.3 per cent, a decrease of 1,748 cases from 2010.
There was also a marked improvement in cases such as unlicensed money lending and harassment, outrage of modesty, and youth involvement in crime.
Said Director of Operations, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Lim Kok Thai: “While we are encouraged by the good results harvested from our enforcement and public education efforts, Police will not rest on our laurels in stamping out crime.”
He said that the police will continue with its holistic strategy of suppressing crime rates, and hopes that citizens will stay vigilant.
