Scam Details

Phishing Scam

As of December 2021

2237

victims

Have fallen prey to scammers

S$19.4

million

Total amount lost to scammers

S$1.0

million

Largest amount lost by an individual

WHAT IS A PHISHING SCAM?

You receive a call, text or email soliciting personal information in order to claim a prize, secure your online accounts or to help investigate fraudulent transactions.

Fake websites are created to look identical to the official sites of organisations or banks, but with a slightly different web address. If you input your personal details, PINs or OTPs in these fake websites, your information and money are at risk of being stolen by criminals.

Look out for these scam signs

Unsolicited phone calls

Be wary of phone calls from anyone claiming you have won a lucky draw, especially when you have not entered. Legitimate organisations typically notify winners via emails and physical letters, in addition to a phone call.

Unsolicited emails

Look out for emails threatening account closure, delivery issues and legal issue. And emails offering unbelievable deals like tax rebates, lucky draw prizes, or surprise inheritance. Scam emails often have spelling and grammar mistakes.

You are not addressed you by name

Phishing emails often will not address you by name.

Unsolicited SMSes

Look out for SMSes threatening account closure, fraudulent transactions, or offering great deals. These SMSs often contain links to unverified websites or phone numbers that do not belong to the organisations.

How to stay safe

Be careful when picking up numbers like this, especially if you are not expecting any overseas calls.

Do not disclose personal particulars, banking and credit card details to anyone without verification. Never share your OTPs with anyone.

No government agencies will ask you for your personal details or bank transfers over the phone or through robocalls (automated voice machines).

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 and text messages.

Always type the organisation's official web address into your web browser to ensure that you are at the official website.

Access your account through the official company's website or app.

Do not share sensitive and personal information without verification. Never share confidential information such as OTPs or passwords with anyone.

If in doubt, speak to someone you trust to seek a second opinion.

If available, turn on the two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts for an additional layer of security.

Turn on transaction alerts for your bank accounts and credit cards.

Phishing Scam: Real Stories

View all

26 Sep 2022 | Phishing Scam

Beware of fake phone calls claiming to be from "MOH"

Automated voice message from +6583052349 pretending that they are calling from Ministry of Health (MOH), that they have been unsuccessfully trying to contact in regards to vaccination status. Ask to press…...

22 Sep 2022 | Phishing Scam

Phishing email requested me to click on a dubious link

I received an email in my personal inbox stating that I have been selected to receive cash compensation from the international monetary fund (IMF). There was a link asking me to check my eligibility to…...

08 Sep 2022 | Phishing Scam

Don't fall prey to phishing scams involving the use of "Grab"

I was notified that there was a Grabpay payment was made without me making any transaction. This is a scam so beware....

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)