With the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa festive period, the Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant and to take appropriate precautionary measures for a safe festive celebration.
Car Rental Scam
Car rental scams typically involve victims paying a deposit or the full amount for the rental of a vehicle after responding to advertisements put up by scammers. In some instances, scammers have been known to use a temporary office for added credibility. After victims made payment, the vehicle would not be delivered to the victim on the proposed day of collection, and the scammers would become uncontactable as well.
Members of the public are advised to only rent vehicles from reputable car rental companies and to check with ACRA to confirm that the car rental business they are dealing with is a registered one. Always insist on documentation of the rental details and be wary of car rental advertisements with generic photographs, i.e. car rental photographs should correspond to the make and model of the vehicle being advertised.
E-Commerce Scam
E-Commerce scams typically involve the scammers taking the opportunity to target online shoppers by enticing them with cheap deals but subsequently becoming uncontactable and not delivering the goods after payment is made. Scammers may also send text messages or emails to impersonate delivery companies, claiming that additional payment is required to facilitate the delivery of purchased items to phish for personal and banking information.
Purchase only from authorised sellers or reputable sources and be wary of purported time-sensitive deals due to limited stock. Avoid making upfront payment and opt for buyer protection by using in-built payment options that release payment to the seller only upon delivery. Do not click on dubious URL links provided in unsolicited emails or text messages and never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone.
Loan Scam
Victims of loan scams typically receive phone calls, unsolicited text messages via SMS or messaging apps, or come across advertisements on social media. The scammers may claim to be a staff from a licensed money lender to gain the trust of victims. Victims would be instructed to transfer money before the loan can be disbursed and may also be asked to provide personal information like NRIC, contact number, Singpass details and bank account number. The information is then used to harass or threaten victims for more payment.
Ignore any unsolicited loan advertisements as licensed moneylenders are not permitted to advertise through SMS, phone calls or on social media. Such advertisements are likely to be a scam. You may wish to note that licensed moneylenders registered with the Registry of Moneylenders are required to meet the borrower at the approved place of business to conduct physical face-to-face ID verification before granting a loan. Approving and disbursing loans online is not allowed.
Fighting scams is a community effort. ACT against scams to safeguard our community by adopting 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)
- CHECK - for scam signs and with official sources (e.g., visit www.scamalert.sg or call the anti-scam helpline on 1800-722-6688).
- TELL - authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the fraudulent transactions to your bank and report the number or ad on the platform on which the advertisement appeared.
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.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
06 April 2023 @ 6:20 PM