Authorities are warning the public about a rise in impersonation scams that have led to significant financial losses. Since January 2025, at least 12 people have reported receiving calls from scammers pretending to be employees of popular organizations like Shopee, UnionPay, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), resulting in losses over $1.4 million.
In these scams, victims receive unexpected phone calls from people claiming to be from these organizations. The callers usually say there are problems like expiring subscriptions or suspicious transactions and ask the victims to verify their identity and bank details. This often includes sharing personal information and transferring money to specific accounts, promising refunds once their information is confirmed.
Some scammers have even used screen-sharing through apps like WhatsApp to trick victims into raising their bank transaction limits and making transfers. This gives scammers access to sensitive information, including banking login details and one-time passwords.
To appear more legitimate, scammers have also tried various tricks, like directing victims to speak with fake customer service agents on messaging apps or video calls, showing fake employee IDs, and sending official-looking emails from MAS. Some victims have been sent to fake websites that look like real ones, complete with live chat options.
The public is strongly encouraged to take precautions against falling for these scams:
Add: Install the ScamShield app and use its security features, like setting transaction limits for online banking and turning on two-factor or multi-factor authentication for banking and e-wallet accounts.
Check: Always verify the authenticity of any communication by reaching out to official sources, such as the ScamShield helpline at 1799 or their website. Be extra careful with unsolicited messages and avoid clicking on questionable links.
Tell: Spread the word about potential scams to family and friends, and report any suspicious activity or fraudulent transactions to your bank right away.
Remember, MAS does not keep records of individual bank accounts. Never share your personal information, banking details, or one-time passwords with anyone you haven’t verified, and don’t share your screen with unknown people.
For more information about scams, visit the ScamShield website or call the ScamShield helpline at 1799. If you have relevant information or need help, contact the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or report online. In emergencies, call ‘999’ for immediate assistance.
Staying informed and taking proactive steps is key to fighting these scams and protecting our community.
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