The Singapore Police Force (SPF) would like to remind the public to remain vigilant against phishing and malware scams through the sale of festive goods during this period.
As Lunar New Year draws close, scammers could pose as sellers and advertise festive goods through online platforms (e.g. Facebook) or group buys on messaging applications (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram). Scammers could phish for sensitive information such as credit card details and banking credentials through phishing links or deceive you into downloading malicious applications under the pretext of facilitating payment. Scammers use these applications to remotely access your device and perform fraudulent monetary transactions.
Do not click on any links or download any unknown applications into your device. Be wary of sellers who ask you to do so and disengage immediately.
Members of the public are encouraged to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- ADD – Add the ScamShield app to block scam calls and SMSes. Add anti-virus applications and ensure that these applications are updated to scan for the latest malware. Ensure that your devices’ operating systems and applications are updated regularly to be protected by the latest security patches. Please refer to Annex A for the list of recommended anti-virus apps. Ensure Google Play protect is enabled on your device and do not heed the scammer’s advice to disable it. Disable “Install Unknown App” or “Unknown Sources” in your phone settings and do not grant permission to persistent pop-ups that request for access to your device’s hardware or data.
- CHECK – Check for scam signs with official sources. You can check the legitimacy of suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links via the ScamShield app or visit the ScamShield website at www.scamshield.gov.sg. Only download and install applications from official app stores (eg. Google Play Store).
- TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report and block suspected scam accounts/chat groups. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.
If you have already downloaded and installed the app (which includes granting the app accessibility services) or suspect that your phone is infected with malware, please take the following steps:
- Turn your phone to “flight mode”. Check that Wi-Fi is switched off and do not switch it on.
- Run an anti-virus scan on your phone.
- Check your bank account/Singpass/CPF etc for any unauthorized transaction(s) using other device(s).
- If there are unauthorized transaction(s), report to the bank, relevant authorities, and lodge a Police report. Continue to keep your phone in “flight mode” and do not do a factory reset before reporting the incident to the Police as this could hinder investigations.
- After completing steps a-c, if you believe that your phone has not been infected with malware, you may resume usage of your phone. As a further precaution, you may consider doing a “factory reset” of your phone and changing important passwords.
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/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
If you are in doubt, call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 to check. For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg. Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
Annex A
List of Recommended Anti-Virus Apps
Source: CSA Releases New List of Recommended Security Apps to Boost Mobile Device Protection
24 January 2025 @ 11:50 AM