Man jailed for payment card fraud

A 25-year-old man was sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment for a payment card fraud at the District Court today (August 25).

The court heard that on January 17 in 2006, the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) received a report concerning malpractice of promotion staff of a coupon company.

Investigations revealed that between January 13 and 18 this year, the promotion staff alleged that the company could sell coupons of some chain stores at a discount to its members.

Victims enticed to join the membership were required to pay a fee of $20 by payment card through a standalone terminal at their booths on the street. The input of their personal identification numbers (PIN) was said to be necessary for the transaction.

Feeling suspicious, the victims checked with the payment card company and confirmed that the transactions were faked. A report was made to the CCB on January 17.

After investigation, officers of CCB arrested the 25-year-old man and four other women aged between 19 and 47 in connection with the case on August 18 and 19.

It is believed that the payment card information with the PIN number will be used to produce forged cards.

The 25-year-old man was convicted of three counts of possession of equipment for making false instrument, three counts of possessing false instruments and two counts of access to computer with criminal or dishonest intent and was sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment today. Other arrested persons were released unconditionally due to insufficient evidence.

Police appeal to members of the public should be alert when disclosing personal account information or personal identification numbers (PIN) to any EPS merchants.


Police Report No. 8

Issued by PPRB

Ends/Friday, August 25, 2006