The Police would like to alert members of the public to a recent uptick of phishing scams perpetuated via social media advertisements involving the sale of EZ-Link cards. Since 1 October 2024, at least 17 cases were reported, with total losses amounting to at least $19,000.
In this scam variant, victims encountered advertisements or posts on social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram) selling EZ-Link cards that allow users unlimited public transportation for a certain period, for a small fee. Enticed by the attractive offer, victims would click on the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) links in the advertisements or posts that re-direct the victims to a phishing website. After clicking the malicious URL, victims would be prompted to key in their credit or debit card details and/or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to purchase the EZ-Link cards. In some cases, victims were redirected to websites to participate in surveys or games that would qualify them for the promotion.
Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discover unauthorised transactions in their bank accounts. In some cases, the transactions were also made in foreign currencies.
All promotions for EZ-Link cards are conducted only on SimplyGo’s website and the social media pages of SimplyGo and EZ-Link. SimplyGo has not offered any deals on the sale of EZ-Link cards with free rides.
Screenshots of the phishing scam are shown below. The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures to avoid falling for scams:
- ADD – Add the ScamShield app and set security features (e.g. set up transaction limits for internet banking transactions, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multifactor Authentication for banks and e-wallets, use the Money Lock feature of your bank to “lock up” a portion of your money so that it cannot be transferred out digitally by anyone, further protecting your savings from scams). Do not send money to anyone you do not know or have not met in person before. Do not disclose your personal information, bank/card details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to anyone.
- CHECK – Check for scam signs with official sources (e.g. call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799, use the ScamShield app or visit www.scamshield.gov.sg), or with someone you trust. Look out for tell-tale signs of a phishing website. Do not click on dubious URL links provided in social media advertisements or posts. Be cautious of attractive deals that seem too good to be true. If in doubt, always verify the authenticity of information provided with the company directly.
- TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately, and report any suspicious advertisements to the company or platform.
If you have any information relating to such crimes or are in doubt, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit a report online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. 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.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
Screenshots of scam advertisements▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
19 November 2024 @ 8:15 PM