Three men and a woman have been arrested by Singapore police over alleged cheating involving the pawning of fake gold jewellery.

Aged between 21 and 55 years, the quartet is suspected of a string of incidents over the past couple of months.

Police received a report on March 12 about fake gold jewellery being pawned. Officers from Central division managed to swiftly identify the suspects involved in the scam. Two days later, in a night ambush, the officers arrested a 33-year-old man in Eunos. The other arrests – in Eunos, Outram and Jurong – followed that evening after follow-up investigations.

Preliminary investigations indicate the 33-year-old man had made the fake jewellery at home with improvised tools, substituting some parts with real gold. These fake pieces were then pawned as genuine in return for cash.

It is also believed the suspect sold fakes online, as well as pawn tickets.

Police say the suspects are believed to be involved in at least 22 cases of cheating, amounting to about S$55,000. They are being charged in court for cheating, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years.

Police have advised pawnshop owners to be vigilant and to check and verify the identities of individuals who pawn items, as well as their guarantors. Where possible, pawnshop owners should examine offered items in detail. Online shoppers have also been advised to be cautious about purchases.