The Police and DBS would like to alert members of the public to a recent uptick of phishing scams involving the impersonation of DBS. Since 21 September 2024, at least 14 reports have been lodged with losses amounting to at least $29,000.
In these cases, the victims would receive an email or text message purportedly from DBS urging them to click on the embedded Uniform Resource Locator (URLs) to resolve an urgent issue with their account, digital tokens or to participate in deals, promotions or membership applications. After clicking on the link, the victims would be directed to a phishing website where they were prompted to fill in their banking credentials, card details and/or One-Time Passwords (OTP). The victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made on their bank accounts and/or bank cards.
The Police and DBS would like advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures to avoid falling for such scams:
- ADD – Add the ScamShield app and set security features (e.g. set up transaction limits for internet banking transactions, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multifactor Authentication for banks and e-wallets, opt not to activate overseas transaction for credit/debit cards). Use Money Lock to secure a portion of your savings.
- CHECK – Banks will never send you clickable links via SMS or email. Legitimate SMSes from banks will reflect their officially registered SMS Sender ID. Check for scam signs with official sources such as the ScamShield Helpline (1799). You can also check the legitimacy of suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links via the ScamShield app or visit the ScamShield website at www.scamshield.gov.sg.
- TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.
If you have any information relating 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/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Members of public can also visit the DBS Bank Safely hub website to learn more about safeguarding yourself from scams and staying secure online. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
Screenshot of email purportedly sent by DBS ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
08 October 2024 @ 10:35 AM