Authorities raise the alarm over sharp spike in internet scams

Online crimes almost doubled in 2015.

Singapore saw a staggering increase in online crime last year, according to latest statistics from the Singapore Police Force.

The number of online commercial crimes involving e-commerce fraud and scams such as credit-for-sex and internet love rose from 1,929 cases in 2014 to 3,759 cases in 2015.

The number of e-commerce crimes jumped 30.5% to 2,173 cases during the year. The total sum cheated was approximately $1.76 million, with the largest amount at approximately $40,000.

Meanwhile, the number of credit-for-sex cases jumped by a whopping 1,723% to 1,203 cases. The total sum cheated was approximately $2.9 million, with the largest amount at approximately $74,000.

A total of 383 internet love scam cases were recorded last year. The total sum cheated stood at $12 million, with the largest amount at approximately $528,000. 

“Criminals will hide behind the anonymity of the Internet to prey on victims across national borders. Many perpetrators operate from overseas and use social media platforms to cheat victims in Singapore. Members of the public are advised to exercise caution and vigilance in the virtual world to avoid falling victim to online crimes,” the police said.

Overall crime in 2015 increased by 4%, from 32,315 cases in 2014 to 33,608 cases in 2015.