Police have arrested two suspects for a series of cheating cases using the kidnap hoax scam. In such scams, the suspects would attempt to cheat people of their money by alleging that their next-of-kin had been kidnapped and would be harmed if money was not handed over.

On 14 October 2008 at about 11.20am , Police received a "999" call reporting of such a case. The informant , a 44 year-old female , had notified Police immediately after realising that it was a kidnap hoax scam. Officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division responded immediately and sought the cooperation of the informant to lure the suspects out by pretending to comply with their instructions. At about 2.50pm , the informant placed an empty envelope under a tree at Punggol Park as instructed by the suspects and left the area. Unknown to the suspects, officers continued to keep watch as both of them approached the vicinity. Both suspects were subsequently placed under arrest. Cash amounting to about $15,900, three mobile phones and other related exhibits were also seized from the suspects.

The two suspects are believed to be involved in at least four successful cases by employing a similar cheating ruse in the past week.

Both suspects will be charged in Court for an offence of Cheating with common intention under Section 420, read with Section 34 of the Penal Code Chapter 224. The offence carries a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment.

Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Superintendent Lee Chin Ek, commended his officers for the good work done in arresting the two suspects. He also urged members of the public to be wary of such scams, including the other variations such as the lottery or lucky draw telephone scams. When receiving such scam calls, the public should remain calm and contact the police immediately.