72 VICTIMS LOST OVER $100,000 TO CAROUSELL SCAMMERS SINCE 2022

The Police has released a media release alerting a member of the public on the re-emergence of Carousell scams.

The scammers would pose as buyers on the platform and victims would be instructed to complete the transaction on CarouPay after receiving emails with phishing URL links from scammers purportedly impersonating Carousell. Since January 2022, there have been at least 72 victims, with losses amounting to at least $109,000.

How is it done?

Phishing – Scammers would typically approach victims on Carousell and express interest in purchasing items that the victims are selling.  After agreeing to the sale of the item, the scammer would request to make payment via CarouPay to the victim’s PayNow account. Thereafter, the victims would receive an email purportedly sent from Carousell, indicating that payment was made but they were required to access the phishing URL link provided within the email in order to receive the payment.

Upon clicking on these URL links, victims would be redirected to fraudulent websites impersonating bank websites, where the victims would be tricked into providing their banking details and One-Time Password in order to receive payments.

Victims would only realise that they have been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made to their bank accounts.

How to prevent?

1. Carousell Protection (previously known as CarouPay) will never require you to confirm payment via email or require you to reveal any online banking login credentials through 3rd party websites;
   
2. Always verify the buyer’s profile on online marketplaces by checking the account’s verification status, creation date, reviews and ratings;
3. Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages;
   
4. If in doubt, always verify the authenticity of the information with the e-commerce platform directly, or with the banks;
   
5. Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone; and
   
6. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately. 

If you have any information relating to such crimes, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.  If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.

Image Source: Singapore Police Force