Incident Overview

In a shocking incident at Clarke Quay, a bubble tea shop has reported a brazen act of deception involving a woman who allegedly used a counterfeit PayNow screenshot to escape paying for her drinks. The incident unfolded at the Yi Fang outlet at Clarke Quay Central on December 18, where the savvy thief made off with an impressive $79.60 worth of bubble tea.

Details of the Deception

Footage shared by Yi Fang shows the woman entering the store, casually ordering her drinks, and then presenting her phone to the staff with what appeared to be a legitimate payment. However, a keen-eyed employee noticed something amiss when inspecting the screenshot. "Upon closer examination, it was evident that critical details had been tampered with," the staff member stated. "The date and time stamp crucial for validating the transaction had been erased."

Investigation and Community Response

Yi Fang has a routine of photographing all PayNow payments for reference, which enabled them to detect the fraudulent attempt. Alarmingly, the employee recalled that this woman bore a striking resemblance to a suspect in a similar case reported earlier this year at a cafe in East Coast, prompting a growing concern about her potential modus operandi.

Community Vigilance

The Yi Fang employee urged the community to stay vigilant, saying, "We've noticed alarming similarities in her appearance, hairstyle, and even her choice of bag and footwear. This suggests a pattern that should not be ignored."

Official Response

In light of the incident, the police have been notified and have confirmed that an official report has been lodged. Investigations are currently underway as authorities aim to track down the offender and prevent further fraudulent activities.

Advice for Local Businesses

Local businesses are urged to remain cautious, especially with the holiday season approaching, as such scams can severely impact small establishments. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying payment methods to avoid falling victim to tricksters out to exploit any vulnerability.

Closing Remarks

Stay alert, and let’s work together to keep our community safe!