Beware the Diamond‑Dazzling Scam on Carousell
On September 6, a 37‑year‑old man was hauled into the Bedok Police Station after he reportedly tricked a fellow Singaporean into dropping a hefty $2,600 deposit for a supposedly brand‑new Rolex watch, only to let the deal slip into thin air.
How the Plot Thickened
- The victim reported the fraud on Sept 2 after the seller posted an eye‑rolling listing on Carousell.
- Contracted to a shiny scau‑passion, the buyer pushed the seller’s bank account with the deposit through a direct bank transfer.
- Once the money hit the seller’s account, the Rolex vanished, and the refund promise turned into a “lottery of silence.”
The police’s sleuths uncovered the culprit’s identity, and he’s now under lock and key. Investigation continues, and the court could be up to a decade behind the bars if the crime continues.
Key Take‑aways to Keep Your Wallet Safe
- Red Flag: “Too Good to Be True” Prices – If it looks suspiciously discounted, it probably is.
- Stick to Reputable Sellers – Especially for high‑ticket items, buy from authorised dealers or vetted platforms.
- Buyer Protection Is Your Best Friend – Use built‑in payment systems that release funds only when the product arrives.
- Say No to Direct Bank Transfers – That style leaves you with zero safety net.
- Beware of “Direct Contact” Tactics – If the seller pushes you to WhatsApp, WeChat, or another chat app to get a “better deal” through a bank transfer, pause. Real sellers won’t ask for that.
- Double‑Check Identity Documents – Scammers can copy an NRIC or driver’s license; don’t fall for fabricated legitimacy.
Where to Report & Get Help
Need more scam info? The Scam Alert portal can guide you (just type “scamalert.sg” into your browser). For urgent matters, dial the anti‑scam helpline at 1800‑722‑6688. If you’ve seen any shady activity, hit the police hotline at 1800‑255‑0000 or register online at police.gov.sg/iwitness.
Remember: your funny‑fashionable Rolex is worth protecting—don’t let a knave slip past your shiny security loop.
