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TLDR version: A 14-year-old is among a large number of suspected scammers who were recently rounded up by the authorities for cheating people out of almost $10m via various types of scams.
More thoughts: Scammers are most frequently charged under the cheating provisions in the Penal Code. Sections 415 to 420A of the Penal Code set out various penalties for different types of cheating, which can include fine and imprisonment.
But what will happen when a 14-year-old is arrested for cheating? Generally, juveniles below 16 years old will be dealt with under the Children and Young Person’s Act, except if they are charged with a serious offence triable only by the High Court or if they are charged alongside another accused person who is not a juvenile.
After being charged and tried in the Youth Court, the Youth Court may sentence this 14-year-old according to the guidelines in the relevant legislation. Generally, even though the cheating provisions may include the penalty of imprisonment, a young person would not be imprisoned unless he or she is so unruly that other sentences would not be suitable.
The Youth Court may instead make orders such as probation, detention, or fine (to be paid by either the young offender or his or her parents).
Read more about procedures and penalties applicable to young offenders in Lex & Rex (The Rise of Anarchy).