The Police would like to alert members of the public to a scam variant targeting painting companies. Businesses are advised to be vigilant as scammers may request the companies to place orders and make advance payment to fake paint suppliers.
In this scam variant, scammers impersonating a school staff would call or text the victims (i.e. painting companies) to request for paint types or painting supplies to be delivered at short notice. As the victims do not have ready stock to fulfil the request, the “school staff” would provide the contact details of fake suppliers for the victims to reach out to. In some instances, the “school staff” would send forged screenshots showing funds being transferred to the victim’s bank account by the “school” as a deposit for the orders. Victims would then contact the fake suppliers to place orders for the items and make full payments via PayNow or bank transfer. Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered that the actual school refused to pay them for the fictitious job, or when the paint supplies were not delivered, and/or the “school staff” became uncontactable.
The Police would like to advise business owners to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- ADD - ScamShield App and set security features (e.g., enable two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication for banks, social media, Singpass accounts and set transaction limits on internet banking transactions, including PayNow).
- CHECK - For scam signs with official sources (e.g. ScamShield WhatsApp bot @ https://go.gov.sg/scamshield-bot, call the Anti-Scam Helpline on 1800-722-6688, or visit www.scamalert.sg). When dealing with new suppliers, avoid making payments or deposits in advance. Arrange to meet the supplier and pay only upon delivery of the goods. If there is a need to make payment without meet-up, pay to a verified business account only. Search online for reviews of suppliers to establish their legitimacy before committing to a purchase.
- TELL - Authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the number to WhatsApp to initiate in-app blocking.
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 Helpline at 1800-722-6688. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
15 September 2023 @ 3:40 PM