The Police would like to alert members of the public of a phishing scam variant involving the use of an online form with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) insignia via Google Forms.
In this scam variant, the victim would receive an unsolicited email asking the recipient to claim a gift voucher via an embedded Uniform Resource Locator (URL), which directs the victim to a webpage to enter his credit/debit card information, security code and One-Time Password (OTP). A fraudulent transaction would then be charged to the card.
Shortly after the transaction, the scammers would contact the victim and introduce themselves as bank staff who are following up on the fraudulent transaction. A URL link would then be provided to the victim, directing the victim to an online form in Google Forms fraudulently bearing the SPF insignia, requiring the victim to fill in his personal particulars, on the pretext of lodging a police report. The said form would also include a fake police case number.
The scammers, posing as bank staff, would then perpetuate other scams through the victim after gaining his trust. For example, the scammers would direct the victim to download a malicious software application which allows the scammers to take control of the victim’s computer. The scammers would then access the victim’s Internet banking accounts to make unauthorised transactions.
Members of the public are advised to note and follow these crime prevention measures:
- Do not click on dubious URL links provided in unofficial sources;
- Stay calm and do not follow instructions to install applications or type commands into your computer;
- Always verify the authenticity of URL links with the official website or sources; and
- SPF will not ask members of the public to provide information on scams or lodge reports through Google Forms.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Together, we can help stop scams and prevent our loved ones from falling prey to scams.
Images of the phishing link with the Singapore Police Force Insignia:
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
07 December 2022 @ 7:25 PM