Quek Jian Qing, 21, and Yong Huo Ying, 24, were indicted on new charges on November 15.

According to the indictments, Quek allegedly conspired with Yong and an unknown person to sell two iPhones, items obtained criminally, to a mobile phone store in Marine Parade for $3,040.

Yong also allegedly conspired with Quek and an unknown person to sell five iPhones to the same store for $7,600. These iPhones were allegedly obtained through a criminal offense.

The cases of the two Malaysians and the three Chinese are said to involve different unions, although they have the same modus operandi.

Since November 4, at least 10 victims of e-commerce scams have reported unauthorized transactions totaling more than $100,000 on their credit cards for purchases such as electronics, such as iPhones and chargers, and jewelry in Singapore.

A police advisory has been issued to retailers of high-value electronics and luxury goods, warning them of the emerging crime trend.

The advisory states that suspicious individuals have been making contactless payments without presenting a physical card.

Retailers are advised to watch out for customers attempting to make multiple contactless payments, with some transactions failing, and then trying with another mobile phone or card.

Police added that these suspicious customers generally do not seek tax refunds and the transactions often involve the purchase of high-value goods in a single transaction.

They might also try to disguise their appearance with caps and masks, and their supposed nationalities might not match their accent, police added.

If a transaction fails, staff should politely offer assistance, inquire about the payment method, and ask to see the physical card linked to the mobile payment for verification.

If there are multiple red flags, retailers should quietly stop the transaction and contact the police for assistance.

Scam figures hit record levels in first half of 2024with over $385.6 million lost in 26,587 reported cases.

Those found guilty of cheating can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and fined.