Scam Details

Impersonation Scam

Don't be fooled by a fake identity

WHAT IS AN Impersonation Scam?

This scam usually involves a phone call or in-app call (e.g WhatsApp) from someone claiming to be a local government official (e.g. government official, police officer or court official), staff from a bank or telco, or a representative of a Chinese bank or courier company.

Look out for these scam signs

Requests for your personal details

Calls or messages from courier companies, telcos, e-commerce platforms or government agencies asking for personal details, bank account details or OTPs.

Uses scare tactics

Caller claims you have committed an offence, have pending court cases, account issues, and threatens to escalate the matter to higher authorities if you do not cooperate.

Numbers with the "+" prefix

Numbers with a '+' prefix are not necessarily from Singapore, so beware.

Unsolicited phone calls or messages

Unexpected messages or calls with no prior contact with the person or organisation. Person is unable to provide specific details of the situation but pressures you for personal details.

How to stay safe

Don't pick up calls from these numbers unless you're expecting an overseas call.

Do not disclose your personal details to anyone without verification. Never share confidential information such as account passwords, OTPs with anyone. Banks and government officials will never ask you for bank transfers, personal details, bank account and credit card details, or OTPs over the phone.

Hang up immediately if the caller cannot identify themselves properly. Always verify the authenticity of the information or request through official websites, apps, email or call the company's hotline.

Do not click on URLs in unsolicited emails or text messages.

Do not act on requests for sensitive and personal information without verification, especially if the request is made out of the blue. If in doubt, ask someone you trust for a second opinion.

Impersonation Scam: Real Stories

View all

07 May 2024 | Impersonation Scam

Beware of Impersonation phone calls pretending to be from the authorities

Received a call from this number; it was an automated call with a local female voice, stating that they are calling from the immigration authority regarding a parcel. Most scam callers have internet or…...

06 May 2024 | Impersonation Scam

Beware of Impersonation phone calls

Received two phishing phone calls from "OCBC" in one day: in the morning from tel no. 936456?? and in the afternoon from tel no. 934198??. The automated message claimed a transaction on my OCBC card ending…...

04 May 2024 | Impersonation Scam

Beware of phishing emails offering refunds

I received the following phishing email: ***** Subject: Duplicate Payment of May 2024 Invoice Dear XXXXXX@yahoo.com, We regret to inform you that there has been an inadvertent duplication in the payment…...

GET SCAM-RELATED ADVICE: CALL 1800-722-6688 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, excl. PH)

GET SCAM-RELATED ADVICE:
CALL 1800-722-6688
(Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, excl. PH)

Get Help

What to do if you've been scammed

Find Out More

Compare Stories

Read about other people's experiences

Read Stories

Spot Signs

Learn the signs you need to look out for

Spot The Signs

Get Scamshield
Protection

ScamShield blocks messages and calls from numbers known to be used in illegal activities.

Find out more at scamshield.org.sg.