The Police would like to alert the public on the increase in unauthorised transactions using stolen credit/debit cards and credit/debit card information. In 2019, the Police received at least 695 cases reports of unauthorised use of credit or debit cards, which is an increase of 140 from the 555 reports received in 2018, with total losses amounting to at least $4 million.
In most cases, the unauthorised transactions took place after the credit or debit cards were stolen. However, in some cases, the unauthorised transactions took place as a result of credit or debit card information being compromised after the cardholders divulged their card details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to unknown persons via unsolicited emails, SMSes or phone calls.
The Police would like to remind members of the public that unauthorised use of another person’s credit or debit card is a serious offence. Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
Do’s
- Keep your credit or debit cards safe with you at all times;
- Inform the card-issuing bank immediately when you discover the loss of your credit or debit cards;
- Opt in for SMS notifications to be sent to your mobile phone for any charges incurred on your credit or debit cards; and
- Check your bank statements and alert the bank immediately should there be any discrepancies or unauthorised charges.
Don’ts
- Give out your credit or debit card details to unknown persons;
- Reveal your OTPs to anyone; and
- Expose your credit or debit cards. Keep them in your purse or wallet until you are ready to make your purchase.
If you wish to provide any information related to such crimes, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 April 2020 @ 9:30 AM