The Police would like to advise members of the public to be vigilant against potential scams linked to the Presidential Elections. Scammers may impersonate government officials or election candidates to solicit banking and/or personal information such as banking credentials and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) via SMS or unsolicited phone calls or in-app calls (e.g. WhatsApp). They may also use the display photos of the people they are impersonating to perpetrate scams, which may include soliciting for bank transfers.
Members of the public are advised not to send or transfer money to anyone without verification and to never share their banking credentials, including OTPs with anyone. The Police would also like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- ADD – Add the ScamShield App and set security features (e.g., enable two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication for banks and set transaction limits on internet banking transactions, including PayNow.
- CHECK – Check for scam signs and with official sources (e.g., visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688). Do not click on dubious Uniform Resource Locator (URL) links provided in unofficial sources and always verify the authenticity of URL links with the official website of Elections Department Singapore (ELD) (www.eld.gov.sg) or via the Singpass app. Those who are unable to do so electronically can call ELD’s hotline at 1800-CALL-ELD (1800-2255-353).
- TELL – Tell the authorities, family and friends about scams and do not be pressured by the caller to act impulsively. 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/iwitness. 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.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
26 August 2023 @ 2:00 PM