TWO Chinese nationals were charged on Wednesday with trying to cheat a 60-year-old woman using the kidnap hoax scam.

Wang Liangqiang and Wei Biao, both 29 and technicians, are alleged to have conspired with one Ah Meng to try and cheat Madam Tan Ai Geok, a part-time stall assistant, of $15,000 by making her believe that her son had been kidnapped and that she needed to pay the amount for his safe return on Monday.

The scam was foiled after the police were alerted. The duo were arrested at Block 853 Hougang Central. Both are remanded at Bedok police division.

They will appear in court again on Nov 19.

The Commander of Bedok police division, Assistant Commissioner Lim Kok Thai urged the public to be wary of such scams, including other ruses such as the lottery or lucky draw telephone scams.

When receiving such scam calls, they should remain calm and contact their family members to verify their safety.

Members of public should not reveal their particulars or transfer money to the scammers, but to report to the police immediately.