The Police have observed an increase in the number of scams involving freecycling[1]. Since May 2023, at least 82 victims have fallen prey to such scams, with total losses amounting to at least $2,500.
In this scam variant, victims would come across giveaway offers posted by scammers on online platforms such as Facebook, Goodhood, Telegram and Carousell. The giveaway offers include a variety of items ranging from bicycles to bulky kitchen appliances (e.g., refrigerators). The victims would reach out to the scammers using the individual platform’s in-app messaging function. Scammers would then request the victims to pay a fee for delivery or to reserve the items, with payments made via bank transfers (e.g., PayNow) or through e-wallets (e.g., Singtel Dash or GrabPay). Victims would realise they had been scammed when they did not receive the items.
The Police would 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, including PayNow).
- CHECK - For scam signs and with official sources (e.g., visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688). Avoid making payments or deposits belonging to unknown individuals. Arrange for your own delivery where possible and always verify the profile of the user through reviews and ratings.
- TELL - Authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the suspicious user and fraudulent posting to the platform.
[1] Freecycling is a green movement in which the community gives away items that are no longer needed instead of selling or throwing them away.
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.
Scams involving freecycling on Goodhood ▼
Image 1: Item listed for giveaway on Goodhood
Images 2 and 3: Conversation between the scammer and victim on Goodhood
Scams involving freecycling on Facebook ▼
Images 4 and 5: Items listed for giveaway on Facebook
Image 6: Conversation between the scammer and victim on Facebook
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
04 July 2023 @ 9:25 AM