The Police would like to alert members of the public of a new variant of phishing scam involving fake Grab advertisements and other fake deals.
In this variant, victims would come across a fake advertisement on Facebook or Instagram, offering cheap iPhone deals or Grab coupons. After clicking on the URL link embedded in the fake advertisements, the victims would be directed to a fake Grab website where they are required to provide their mobile phone number and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). Most of the victims only realised that they have been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions in their GrabPay accounts. Grab has confirmed that they did not push out such advertisements.
Members of the public are advised to adopt these crime prevention measures:
- Be wary of URL links provided in unsolicited advertisements and text messages, especially those related to deals that seem too good to be true;
- 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 transaction involving your e-payment accounts to the e-payment service provider immediately.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Together, we can help stop scams and prevent our loved ones from falling prey to scams.
Screengrab of fake Grab advertisement posted on Facebook
Image of phishing website
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
28 October 2020 @ 6:20 PM