Police Issue Warning Over New Phone Scam Targeting Singapore Residents
Singapore authorities have issued a serious warning to the public following a recent rise in phone scams. Since the middle of May, at least 12 people have reported being cheated by callers who impersonated government officials. These scams have resulted in a total financial loss of approximately $274,000 for the victims.
Police noted that the scammers are using a specific method to contact their targets. Many of the fraudulent calls originate from phone numbers that begin with the digit '3'. These numbers often appear to be legitimate, which makes it easier for criminals to gain the trust of unsuspecting residents.
During these calls, the scammers pretend to be representatives from government agencies. They often pressure victims by claiming there are issues with their personal information or legal status. By creating a sense of urgency, they trick individuals into transferring money or revealing sensitive banking details.
To stay safe, the police advise the public to remain cautious when receiving unexpected calls from unknown numbers. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a government official, you should hang up and verify the information through the official website or contact channel of that agency. Never share your bank account details, passwords, or One-Time Passwords (OTP) with anyone over the phone.
Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and your family from financial loss. If you suspect that you have been a victim of a scam, you should report the incident to the police immediately. By working together, the community can help stop these criminals from succeeding.