In March 2020, the Police received at least 206 reports of social media impersonation scams where victims were tricked into disclosing their mobile number and Grab One-Time Password (OTP) to scammers.
In these cases, scammers would often use compromised or spoofed social media accounts to impersonate as the victims’ friends or followers on Facebook and Instagram. They would usually ask the victims for their personal details such as mobile number, internet banking account details, and One-Time Password (OTP) on the pretext of helping them to sign up for fake contests or promotions allegedly by Lazada and Shopee. Victims would later find that unauthorised and fraudulent transactions had been made from their bank accounts and mobile wallet without their consent on the online stores of UniPin and Razer Gold, which are online platforms selling game credits that can be used on a variety of online games.
Members of the public are advised to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
a. Be wary of unexpected requests or offers from social media contacts, especially those related to lucky draws or contests.
b. Verify whether the account is legitimate by checking with your family and friends offline.
c. Never give out your personal or bank account details, and One-Time Password (OTP) to anyone, including family and friends.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit 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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 April 2020 @ 9:30 AM