Number of Police Reports of Fraudulent or Counterfeit Merchandise Sold on E-Commerce Platforms Where the Seller and Buyer are in Singapore in the Past Two Years

Question:

Dr Tan Wu Meng: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many Police reports have been made in 2023 and 2024 regarding fraudulent or counterfeit merchandise sold on e-commerce platforms where the seller and buyer were both in Singapore; (b) what were the considerations for such cases being deemed as commercial disputes rather than instances of cheating or scams; and (c) what recourse is available for affected buyers.

Answer:

Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development:

1. Police assess whether any criminal offence is disclosed by looking at the full facts and circumstances of each case. For example, the import, sale, or distribution of goods with falsely applied trademarks for the purpose of trade is an offence under the Trade Marks Act 1998. Where deception is involved, the case may also be classified as Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871.

2. Buyers who encounter allegedly counterfeit merchandise can file a Police report. Regardless of whether a criminal offence is disclosed, buyers can seek recourse by lodging a complaint with the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE), filing a claim in the Small Claims Tribunal, or commencing civil proceedings in the Singapore Courts.

3. The Police do not track the data requested by the Member