A 22-year-old man was arrested on Thursday for his suspected involvement in multiple cases of online purchase scams. He had apparently put up Jay Chou concert tickets for sale online, and convinced buyers to meet him in public places where he sold them forged tickets.

The victims were unable to gain entry to the concert last week, as the tickets were not authentic, police said yesterday. Multiple reports had been received from victims who were allegedly cheated by the man.

The police said officers established the suspect's identity after extensive ground enquiries. He is to be charged with cheating today. If found guilty, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and made to pay a fine.

The police urged the public to avoid falling victim to online purchase scams by buying only from reputable vendors; transacting only with trustworthy people if advance payments are necessary; checking that the person or vendor is physically located where they claim to be and checking the company or seller's track record.

Audrey Tan