56-year-old woman caught using someone else’s lost debit card for unauthorised transactions in Singapore

A 56-year-old woman has been arrested in Singapore after allegedly misusing a lost debit card for unauthorised purchases exceeding S$540. The swift action by police highlights the dangers of negligence and the importance of financial vigilance.

How It Started: A Missing Debit Card

On June 2, 2025, the Singapore Police received a report from a victim who discovered several suspicious transactions linked to her missing debit card. Acting swiftly, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division launched an investigation, gathering surveillance footage to track down the individual involved.

Swift Police Work Leads to Arrest

Within days, authorities identified the suspect using CCTV images. She was arrested on June 11, 2025, after being positively linked to the unauthorised use of the card. According to preliminary investigations, the woman had found the lost debit card and used it to top up her EZ-Link card and purchase toiletries and household items.

Evidence and Legal Proceedings

The police seized one EZ-Link card along with several purchased items. The woman will be charged in court on June 12, 2025, under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871 for the offence of cheating, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine.

Public Safety Reminder

The Singapore Police Force reiterated the importance of safeguarding personal belongings, especially in public spaces. They advised merchants and sales staff to exercise vigilance when handling payment cards, stressing the need to verify cardholder names and card security features before processing transactions.

Tips for Cardholders

Authorities also shared important safety tips to prevent misuse:

• Activate SMS notifications for all card transactions.
• Regularly check bank statements for unfamiliar charges.
• Report lost or stolen cards immediately to issuing banks.
• Never disclose card details to unknown individuals.

As Singapore remains a travel and business hub for many Indonesians, this case underscores the shared responsibility for financial security in both nations. The ease of digital transactions must be matched with heightened awareness, ensuring that what’s convenient does not become vulnerable.

Sources: Mothership (2025) , Singapore Police Force (2025)

Keywords: Debit Card, Fraud Case, Singapore Police, Financial Crime, EZ-Link Top Up, Court Case