Singapore IT show incident: Alleged use of a fake PayNow screenshot
A 34-year-old man was charged on November 3 with cheating after allegedly using a forged PayNow screenshot to purchase a laptop worth SGD 3,599 at a prominent IT event in Singapore. The accused, a Singaporean identified as Andrew Lim Zi Kai, appeared in court to face the charge linked to The Tech Show 2025 held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
What happened at The Tech Show 2025?
According to police reports and court documents, the suspect visited The Tech Show 2025, an annual technology exhibition that draws vendors and visitors from across the region. It is alleged that he presented a counterfeit PayNow payment proof in order to complete the purchase of a high-end laptop. The incident reportedly occurred within the event premises, prompting the vendor to halt the transaction and alert authorities.
PayNow and the alleged forgery
PayNow is a widely used Singaporean real-time payment scheme that allows users to transfer funds via a mobile number or NRIC/FIN-linked account. Authorities say the accused allegedly presented a screenshot purporting to confirm a successful transfer. Investigators believe the image was forged, intended to mimic a legitimate PayNow receipt. If proven, this would constitute cheating under Singaporean law, which covers obtaining property through deception or misrepresentation.
Legal process and potential penalties
After the charge was laid, the case proceeds in court with the prosecution outlining evidence that the screenshot was not a genuine PayNow transaction. The defense is expected to present its position in subsequent hearings, including any explanations or alternative theories about how the payment attempt occurred.
Under Singapore law, cheating carries significant penalties, potentially including imprisonment, fines, and disqualification from holding certain positions depending on the case details. The outcome will depend on whether the prosecution can establish that the accused intentionally deceived the vendor and obtained property worth SGD 3,599 through the forged screenshot.
Context: past public attention surrounding the accused
The Proceedings come amid renewed public attention following the suspect’s earlier ties to a widely reported 2020 case in Little India. While that prior incident drew media focus, current charges concern alleged fraudulent activity at a technology expo. The court will consider any relevant past records in relation to the present offense, ensuring a fair assessment of guilt or innocence based on evidence presented at trial.
Vendors and consumer protections at tech events
Incidents of payment fraud at major exhibitions have prompted organizers and vendors to emphasize verification steps. Security measures at events like The Tech Show 2025 typically include multiple layers of authentication for high-value purchases, on-site payment verification, and immediate escalation protocols should suspicious activity arise. Consumers are reminded to verify payment confirmations directly with their banks and to beware of forged digital documents when transacting at crowded exhibitions.
What this means for attendees
For visitors, the case serves as a reminder to exercise caution with payment proofs and to rely on official transaction confirmations. It also highlights the importance of clear return policies and robust dispute resolution channels at large IT shows, where many transactions involve high-value devices and rapid purchase decisions.
Stay informed
As the legal process unfolds, updates will clarify the strength of the evidence and any defenses raised by the defense team. The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat payment fraud and to improve the integrity of buying experiences at major technology events in Singapore.
