The Police have observed a re-emergence of non-banking related phishing scams cases involving emails and text messages. In September 2021, at least 150 victims were believed to have fallen prey to such scams.
Victims of such phishing scams received emails or text messages by scammers impersonating entities the victims know or trust, such as government agencies, trade unions, or companies such as SingPost and Netflix. These emails and text messages make fake offers or claims to trick recipients into clicking on an URL link. Such fake offers or claims include outstanding payment for parcel delivery, disruptions to services or subscriptions, refunds, or promotions. Upon clicking on the URL links, victims will be redirected to phishing websites where they are tricked into providing their credit/debit card details and One-Time Password (OTP). Victims only realised that they have been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made using their credit/debit card.
Members of the public should be wary of the following signs in such situations:
- Email domain does not match the merchant requesting for payment, i.e. does not belong to the government agencies, trade unions, or companies such as SingPost and Netflix; and
- Website URL appears dubious.
Members of the public are advised to follow these crime prevention measures:
- Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages;
- Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources;
- 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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 October 2021 @ 7:00 PM