The Police would like to alert members of the public to a scam variant targeting businesses providing IT equipment/accessories. Businesses are advised to be vigilant as scammers may request them to place orders and make advance payment with fake suppliers of IT equipment or accessories.
In this scam variant, scammers impersonating polytechnic staff would call or text businesses to place orders for IT equipment or accessories, and would request for the orders to be delivered at short notice. As the victims do not have ready stock to fulfil the request, the scammer would provide the contact details of fake suppliers for the victims to reach out to. The scammer would also send forged screenshots showing the initial deposits for these orders being transferred to the victim’s bank account. Victims would then contact the fake supplier to place orders for the items and make full payments via PayNow. Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered that no payments were made to their bank accounts, or when the scammers could no longer be contacted.
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
28 September 2023 @ 5:35 PM