A 42-year-old man was arrested after allegedly using an electronic device to illegally collect bank card information from shoppers at a retail establishment in the Farrer Park area.
In a statement on 20 Oct, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said the man was spotted standing unusually close to customers and positioning his bag near their wallets, prompting security officers to detain him.
On 18 Oct, police received a report about a man who had been detained by security officers at a retail establishment along Syed Alwi Road.
Source: Wikimedia Commons, for illustration purposes only
Preliminary investigations found that the man had been walking around the premises “suspiciously” while carrying a bag containing an electronic device.
He was also spotted standing unusually close to customers and positioning his bag near the pockets where they kept their wallets.
Security officers eventually stopped and detained him before handing him over to officers from the Central Police Division.
Police subsequently seized several items found in his possession, including an electronic device, two power banks, a mobile phone, and several bank cards.
Source: Singapore Police Force
The items were taken as evidence for investigations.
The man was scheduled to be charged in court on 20 Oct with illegally obtaining personal information under Section 416A(1)(a) of the Penal Code 1871.
Image by MS News
If convicted, he could face up to three years in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.
In light of the incident, police reminded members of the public to stay alert and protect their personal information, particularly bank card details, from being accessed or collected without permission.
They also stressed that such offences are taken seriously and that those responsible will face firm action under the law.
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Featured image adapted from Singapore Police Force.