Police have arrested two male Chinese suspects for attempting to cheat a 60 year-old female Chinese using the kidnap hoax scam.

On 10 November 2008 at about 2.50pm , Police received a "999" call reporting of such a case. The informant, a 32-year old male, had notified Police immediately after he was informed by his 60 year-old mother that she had almost fallen prey to the scam. Officers from Bedok Police Division responded immediately and sought the cooperation of the informant and his mother to lure the suspects out by pretending to comply with their instructions. At about 4.40pm , the informant's mother, together with the officers proceeded to Hougang Central as instructed by the suspects. Two men were spotted nearby behaving suspiciously and were subsequently placed under arrest.

Both suspects will be charged in Court on 12 Nov 2008 for an offence of Attempted Cheating with common intention under Section 420 read with Section 34 and Section 511 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. The offence carries a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment.

Commander of Bedok Police Division, Assistant Commissioner Lim Kok Thai, 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 their loved-ones to verify their safety. Members of public are also advised not to reveal their particulars or transfer money via any means to the scammers. Instead, they should report the matter to the police immediately.