Man Arrested For Using Strangers’ ICs To Make Unapproved Transactions
Have you rented vehicles online before and have been asked to pass your identity card to the person-in-charge? Well, you may not want to do that again in the future.
According to STOMP, a 34-year-old man was arrested on Monday (14 Oct) for allegedly using copies of other Singaporeans’ ICs by pasting his own photo over them to make various transactions.
He’ll be charged in court on Wednesday (Oct 16) with cheating by impersonation.
If found guilty, he could be jailed up to 5 years, or pay a fine, or both.
Perpetrator kept records of ICs since Dec 2018
Police said they received reports from people that a man was using their ICs for transactions without their knowledge between Dec 2018 and Sep 2019.
They said the man had kept their IC details, which he asked for when they requested to rent a car through him on an online platform.
After saving copies of his victim’s ICs, he proceeded to paste a picture of his face over their ICs and used photocopies of them to apply for things such as:
- Bank loans
- Renting accommodations
- Telecommunication services registrations
- Renting cars
Be careful when giving your personal details
Be it your IC, passport, phone number or anything personal information, please be careful of who you give them to.
Do keep in mind that it is illegal for companies to photocopy your ICs. This rule was enforced on 1 Sep 2019.
This means that private organisations can no longer attain, utilise or share your IC details. Making copies of your IC and even holding it is also not be allowed. This guideline, however, does not apply to government and public agencies.
Here are instances where it’s legal to share your NRIC details:
- New phone line subscriptions
- Making a doctor’s appointment
- Checking into a hotel
- Healthcare transactions
- Financial, real estate transactions
Find other ways to provide information
Sending your IC or passport details to unknown people is not a risk you have to take. Instead, you and the other party can come up with an alternate solutions. For example, exchanging phone numbers and placing a cash deposit may sometimes suffice.
All in all, remember that your IC can be used for many things and if it falls into the wrong hands, things may get sticky for you.
Featured image adapted from Young Parents.
