The Police would like to alert members of the public of a phishing scam variant involving a fake SMS purportedly sent by Singtel with fraudulent URL link embedded. Since June 2023, at least 12 victims have fallen prey, with total losses amounting to at least $20,000.
In this scam variant, the victim would receive an unsolicited SMS prompting the victim to click on a fraudulent link to claim a reward before the expiry of his Singtel points. Upon clicking on the URL link, the victim was led to a fake Singtel site to select reward items (e.g. Apple Watch, Apple Airpod, etc) for redemption. The Singtel points, topped up with a nominal amount (e.g. $1 + 5120 points) would be required to redeem the selected reward item. The victim would then key in his/her credit card details and One-Time Password (OTP) on the fake Singtel webpage on the pretext of making payment. Victims realised they had been scammed when unauthorised transactions were made to overseas merchant.
The Police would also like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- ADD - ScamShield App and set security features (e.g., enable two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication for banks and set transaction limits on internet banking transactions).
- CHECK - For scam signs and with official sources (e.g., visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688). Do not click on dubious URL links provided in unofficial sources and always verify the authenticity of URL links with the official website or sources (e.g., call Singtel at 1688 or visit its regularly updated scam advisory page www.singtel.com/secured to verify).
- TELL - Authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.
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!
Images of the unsolicited SMS ▼
Images of the fake Singtel site ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
28 June 2023 @ 10:45 AM