Fake thermometers that only show 37°C sold online, worth more than S$14,000 seized, woman busted

Singapore — A Singapore Police Force (SPF) press release on Sunday (Nov 28) confirmed that a 33-year-old woman was arrested for her suspected involvement in the online sales of the counterfeit goods.

The woman was arrested by the police for her suspected involvement in selling counterfeit thermometers online.

On Friday (Nov 26), officers from the Criminal Investigation Department conducted raids at Bedok Reservoir View and Potong Pasir Avenue 1. They seized more than 300 pieces of trademark-infringing thermometers and probe covers, with an estimated street value of more than S$14,000.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman had allegedly procured these counterfeit thermometers from foreign sources and offered them for sales online.

Investigations are ongoing.

Under the Trade Marks Act, anyone found guilty of selling or distributing goods with falsely applied trademarks may be fined up to a maximum of S$100,000, sentenced to up to five years imprisonment, or both.

The police take a serious view of intellectual property rights infringements, especially in relation to counterfeit goods that might pose potential health risks, said SPF.

“Importation and distribution of counterfeit goods are serious offences, and the police will not hesitate to take firm action against perpetrators who profit at the expense of legitimate businesses and consumers.”

It was reported in April 2020 that fake thermometer guns were sold online amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The counterfeit thermometers only showed 37 degrees Celsius, regardless of someone’s actual temperature.

When opened, the thermometers were completely hollow on the inside and contained only a chip for the LCD display. The fake thermometers were sold online in Thailand, prompting Thai authorities to conduct a crackdown on smuggling groups importing the devices.

In response to the recent incident, members of the online community expressed concern about the implications of using a fake thermometer.

“I learned my lesson from Shopee. My kid was burning, but the thermometer not showing fever. Went to NTUC to buy a legit one in the end,” shared Facebook user Jaden Goh.

“She should be seriously sentenced to jail and heavy fine. Fake thermometer can be dangerous if the person has a high fever and yet thermometer misread,” added another netizen. /TISG

Read related: Woman sells fake Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton bags on Facebook, sent to jail

Woman sells fake Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton bags on Facebook, sent to jail