The Police would like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant against phishing scams perpetuated via advertisements on Facebook and Instagram impersonating EZ-Link or SimplyGo. Since 1 March 2025, there were at least 97 of such reports with losses amounting to at least $156,000.
In this scam variant, victims would encounter advertisements or posts on Facebook and Instagram impersonating EZ-Link or SimplyGo. These advertisements would offer enticing promotions such as unlimited travel for $3. To gain access to these offers, victims would click on links in the advertisements or posts and be redirected to a phishing website bearing EZ-link or SimplyGo logos. Victims would be prompted to key in their credit or debit card details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to purchase the EZ-Link cards. In some cases, victims would be first redirected to participate in online games or questionnaires to qualify them for the “promotion”. After successfully winning a “gift box” with a “free EZ-link" card, the website would prompt them to key in their card details to pay for the $3 unlimited travel promotion.
Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discover unauthorised transactions in their bank accounts. In some cases, the transactions were also made in foreign currencies.
All promotions for EZ-Link cards are conducted only on SimplyGo’s website and the social media pages of SimplyGo and EZ-Link. SimplyGo does not offer a “$3 for unlimited travel” deals. For official information on the purchase of EZ-Link cards, please visit https://ezlink.simplygo.com.sg/card-charm/new/where-to-buy/ .
The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures to avoid falling for 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, use the Money Lock feature of your bank to “lock up” a portion of your money so that it cannot be transferred out digitally by anyone, further protecting your savings from scams). Do not disclose your personal information, bank/card details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to anyone.
- CHECK – Check for scam signs with official sources such as the ScamShield App. Call and check with the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Look out for tell-tale signs of a phishing website. Do not click on dubious URL links provided in social media advertisements. Be cautious of attractive deals that seem too good to be true. If in doubt, always verify the authenticity of information provided with SimplyGo directly via their official website or hotline at 1800-2255-663.
- TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately and report any suspicious advertisements to the company or platform.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
Screenshots of scam advertisements
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
28 March 2025 @ 6:25 PM