The Police have received numerous reports of phishing scams involving text messages from scammers, where victims were allegedly directed to spoofed banking websites after being purportedly notified of their eligibility to receive Singapore Bicentennial commemorative notes.
Victims of such phishing scams would receive text messages from scammers that they are eligible to receive free Singapore Bicentennial commemorative notes and were directed to allegedly spoofed URLs. Upon clicking on the URLs, victims will be redirected to fraudulent websites which resembled the homepage of the purported bank’s internet banking website. Victims would then key in their internet banking credentials, thinking that this is necessary to receive the notes. Victims would only realise that they have been scammed when they discover unauthorised transfers of monies out of their bank accounts.
Members of the public are advised to follow these crime prevention measures:
- Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages;
- Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources; and
- Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone.
If you have information related 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/iwitness. Please dial ‘999’ if you require urgent Police assistance.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Join the ‘Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes.’ campaign at www.scamalert.sg/fight by signing up as an advocate to receive up-to-date messages and share them with your family and friends. Together, we can help stop scams and prevent our loved ones from becoming the next victim.
Annex A
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 November 2021 @ 9:05 PM