The Police would like to alert members of the public to a new trend where scammers send fake job advertisements promising attractive hourly-rated salary via text messages to victims (Screenshot in Annex A refers).
Members of the public are advised to be on their guard against such elaborate scams, as they could unknowingly be used as money mules to launder proceeds of criminal conduct. The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- Do not click on suspicious URL links provided. When in doubt, always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or alternative sources.;
- Do not to accept job offers that require you to use your personal bank account(s) to perform money transfers for others, purchase cryptocurrency on behalf of someone else, or open new bank accounts;
- Never send money to people whom you do not know or have not met in person before; and
- Never share your bank account login credentials with anyone. Your personal bank account is for your own usage and you are responsible for all transactions made through your bank account.
The Police would like to remind the public that your bank account(s) will be ‘frozen’ if it is used to assist in laundering money from criminal activities, and you will be subjected to criminal investigations. Money mules may be liable for money laundering offences under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, which carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both. Otherwise, money mules may also be liable for offences under the Payment Services Act that carries a fine not exceeding $125,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, or both.
If you suspect that you have received suspicious funds into your bank account, do not withdraw or transfer the money. Report the incident immediately to your bank and the Police.
If you have information related to such crimes or if you are in doubt over whether a message received is a scam, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
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.
Screenshot of Text Message
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
08 April 2021 @ 2:30 PM