Technology · Singapore Bureau
Man arrested for catfishing victims into rigged mahjong scam
Singapore police have arrested a man suspected of impersonating women on dating applications to lure victims into fraudulent mahjong games offering impossibly high win rates.
LSN Singapore ·
The suspect allegedly created fake female profiles on dating platforms to establish trust with potential victims before directing them to participate in mahjong games he controlled. Investigators allege the games were rigged to guarantee the scammer winnings while ensuring victims lost money.
The scheme reportedly leveraged claims of a '99 percent' win rate to entice players into wagering significant sums. Police did not disclose the number of victims affected or the total value of losses incurred in the alleged fraud.
Authorities began investigating after receiving multiple reports from individuals who reported losing money through the fraudulent gaming arrangement. The case highlights how scammers exploit dating applications and personal connections to gain victims' confidence before directing them to illegal gambling operations.
The arrest follows increased police focus on online scams and catfishing schemes in Singapore. Investigators have not yet disclosed whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the operation.