The Police have continued to see an increase in non-banking related phishing scams involving spoofed e-mails and text messages related to parcel delivery.
Victims of such phishing scams would receive spoofed e-mails or text messages purportedly sent from a delivery company such as SingPost and DHL. These phishing e-mails and text messages would usually prompt the victims to check the status of their parcel delivery by clicking on the URL link included in the e-mails and text messages. Upon clicking the URL links, victims would be redirected to fraudulent websites where they would be required to provide their credit/debit card details and One-Time Password (OTP). In some cases, the victims would receive notification that their credit/debit cards had been linked to an Apple Pay account. Most of the victims only realised that they have been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions were made using their credit/debit cards.
Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages;
- Always verify the authenticity of information received with the official website or sources;
- Contact your card issuing bank immediately if you receive an OTP and did not make any online transactions;
- Always verify the merchant details indicated in the OTP text message/notification before providing your OTP. Do not key or input your OTP on the payment page if you are not making the transaction;
- Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone; and
- Report any fraudulent credit/debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card immediately.
If you have information related to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Please dial ‘999’ if you require urgent Police assistance.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Join the ‘Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes’ campaign at www.scamalert.sg/fight by signing up as an advocate to receive up-to-date messages and share them with your family and friends. Together, we can help stop scams and prevent our loved ones from becoming the next victim.
Annex A
Images of Scam Emails, SMS and Phishing Websites
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
13 April 2021 @ 2:15 PM