$120,000 LOST TO SCAMMERS, ‘DEBIT CARD ISSUE’ SCAM: POLICE

The Singapore Police Force recently issued an alert to warn the members of the public against a scam SMS.

The Police said that the message is currently circulating online and at least 18 p[people had become victims of the scam. So far, $120,000 has been lost to scammers due to this scam.

How it works?

The victims would received an SMS/message and inform them that they are required to dial a number as there is an “issue” with their debit card.

The call will usually “bank account verification” which will ask for details such as card numbers and one-time passwords. The scammers will trick the victims into telling them the sensitive details in order to proceed “solving” their debit card issues.

By then it would be too late, once the scammers have the details of the cards they would be able to utilise the card and perform transactions to transfer the money away.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688.

Prevention

The public is advised to take the following precautions when they receive unsolicited calls via phone or messaging applications:

1. Ignore the instructions. No government agency will obtain personal information through a telephone call;
   
2. Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details, including NRIC, NRIC issue date and OTP to anyone;
   
3. Always verify the authenticity of the information by contacting the relevant government agencies through their official hotline; and
   
4. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.

Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Image Source: Singapore Police Force