In a bizarre twist within Singapore’s criminal landscape, two men have received jail sentences for cheating by using counterfeit payment methods, causing losses to businesses.
Ho Kien Mun’s Chequered History
Ho Kien Mun, a 56-year-old Singaporean, has been sentenced to 11 weeks in jail after pleading guilty to 11 charges of cheating. His deceitful tactics involved issuing dud cheques that amounted to over S$26,000 (US$20,190) for phone bills, and using a falsified PayNow screenshot to purchase Viagra.
- Ho operated a now-defunct company, SLT Peripherals & Services, and retained a chequebook after its closure.
- From February 2018 to September 2019, he sent ten cheques to Singtel, knowing that they would bounce due to a closed account.
- On 25 September 2023, Ho attempted to use an edited screenshot to deceive a clinic into giving him medication without payment.
Mohamad Razali Ali’s Persistent Fraud
In a separate case, 40-year-old Mohamad Razali Ali was sentenced to five months for using forged PayNow screenshots to score over S$3,000 (US$2,320) worth of cigarettes. His fraudulent activities took place over 116 occasions between July 2024 and February 2025.
- Razali created forged screenshots depicting successful transfers, using them to deceive 3C Supermart at North Link Building.
- His scheme unraveled during an attempted purchase on 19 February 2025, leading to his arrest.
Legal Consequences and Community Impact
Both cases showcase troubling trends in fraudulent activities involving digital payment methods in Singapore. The implications extend beyond immediate financial costs, leading to administrative hassles and a breach of trust in community relationships.
The severity of their sentences reflects the courts’ stance on cheating offences. As per the prosecutor’s comments, the effort put into planning these scams indicates a clear pattern of intent, which is alarming for the community.
As these men face justice, one must wonder — when it comes to the lengths some will go to, really, how deep does the desire to cheat run?