Loansharks using social networking sites to 'recruit' runners
Unlicensed moneylenders have been turning to dating or social networking sites such as OkCupid and Locanto as a new means to harass their debtors, said the police on Wednesday (20 December).
In such cases, these moneylenders would pose as females on such sites to look for male partners.
Under the pretext of a date, the victims would then be directed to meet at the addresses belonging to the moneylenders’ debtors. The male subjects would be directed to take photos, videos or knock on the door to affirm that they had arrived at the given residential addresses.
The debtors will then be alerted by their moneylenders that these male subjects were their runners and had come to their houses to harass them.
The police have advised users of such social networking sites to be wary of befriending unknown persons and to arrange meets-up at public areas.
Members of the public can also call the police at 999 or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924- 5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.
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