'Ghost tapper' arrested in Little India for allegedly using device to steal shoppers' bank card data

A 42-year-old male "ghost tapper" was arrested on Sunday (Oct 18) for his involvement in the use of an electronic device to allegedly steal bank card information from shoppers at a retail establishment in Little India.

Ghost tapping is a form of contactless fraud where someone uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to make unauthorised transactions or misuse stolen payment credentials.

This is done by holding such devices close to a victim's pocket or bag containing the "tap-to-pay" card or device.

Police said in a news release on Tuesday morning that they were alerted after security officers at the establishment detained the man for his suspicious behaviour at a retail establishment along Syed Alwi Road.

According to the police, their preliminary investigations revealed that the man had been moving suspiciously around the premises and standing in close proximity to customers.

He allegedly did so while carrying a bag containing an electronic device. The man was also seen positioning his bag near customers' pockets containing their wallets.

Security officers at the establishment then detained the man and handed him over to officers from the Central Police Division, who found an electronic device, two power banks, a mobile phone and several bank cards in the man's possession.

The 42-year-old was arrested and the items seized as case exhibits.

He will be charged in court on Tuesday for illegally obtaining personal information, an offence which carries a penalty of up to three years' jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

The police said that they take a serious view of such offences and advised members of the public to remain vigilant and safeguard their personal information, including bank card information, from unauthorised access or collection.

"Offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law," they added.

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