According to the Police media release, at least 454 victims have fallen prey to phishing scams involving the delivery of parcels, with total losses amounting to at least $675,000.
The Police posted a media release alerting members of the public to the re-emergence of such scams.
How does the scam work?
Victims of such phishing scams would receive emails or text messages informing them that their parcels were awaiting delivery.
Victims would click on a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) link embedded in the messages to view information regarding their parcel deliveries.
Upon clicking on the URL links, victims would be redirected to fraudulent websites, which would request for their credit or debit card details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made to their credit or debit cards.
Prevention is better than cure
Here is what Singapore Police Force advised:
- Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages;
- Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources;
- Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone; and
- Report any fraudulent credit or debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card immediately.
If you have any information related to such crimes, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
Spotting the signs
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Join the ‘Spot the Signs.
Stop the Crimes’ campaign at https://www.scamalert.sg/resources/fight by signing up as an advocate to receive up-to-date messages and share them with your family and friends. Together, we can help stop scams and prevent our loved ones from becoming the next victim.