Fake bulk orders - culprits can be hauled up for cheating, say lawyers

Six reported cases in just over a week; most involve people claiming to be SAF servicemen

- Aqil Hamzah

The recent spate of businesses getting bulk orders that were not paid for and were left uncollected may appear to be pranks, but lawyers said the people responsible can be hauled up for cheating.

In just over a week, there have been at least six reported cases of fake bulk orders across the island, leaving businesses scrambling and costing them thousands of dollars after the people who put in the orders, often claiming to be from legitimate organisations, left them in the lurch.

Most recently, a man claiming to be from the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School attempted to book a restaurant on Sept 10 for three days, from 3pm to 6pm.

At times, the “clients” would ask business owners to help them purchase other items - ranging from ready-to-eat meals to mattresses — and promise to pay the total sum at one go.

The police, in a statement late on Sept 16, said two men and a woman, aged between 16 and 31, were arrested for their suspected involvement in what appears to be a scam using fake orders as a ruse.

It is still unclear what the motive behind the bulk orders is but lawyers The Straits Times spoke to said such actions can constitute cheating, which is an offence under the law.

Kalco Law legal associate Andrew Ho said inducing business owners to prepare large orders under false pretences means the culprits can be charged with cheating, which carries a jail term of up to three years or a fine, or both.

He added that affected business owners can lodge a police report immediately, and if the culprits are prosecuted and found liable, the courts can order them to make compensation.

Alternatively, they can consider taking civil action or going to the Small Claims Tribunal, but these are less practical means of seeking recourse, unless the culprits are known and have assets.