The Singapore Police Force has issued a fresh warning to the public about a surge in phishing scams circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. These fraudulent advertisements have been impersonating EZ-Link, SimplyGo, and even the Land Transport Authority (LTA), luring unsuspecting victims with “too good to be true” promotions.
Since the beginning of August, at least 45 reports have been filed, with victims collectively losing more than S$59,000. The scams typically promise unlimited travel passes at low prices, tricking commuters into clicking on fake links. Once redirected, victims unknowingly submit sensitive banking details, including card information and one-time passwords (OTPs), to malicious websites.
Victims usually only realise they have been conned when unauthorised transactions appear on their credit cards or bank accounts. In several cases, the fraudulent charges were traced to online merchants such as Grab, Gojek, and Tokopedia.
Fake Promotions Exploit Trust in Public Transport Systems
The scam advertisements often claim to offer exclusive promotions, such as “Celebrate Singapore’s 60th Anniversary – Unlimited Travel for 12 months at just S$8”. These bogus deals exploit Singaporeans’ trust in official transport schemes and target those looking for savings on daily commutes.
Authorities have clarified that all genuine promotions for EZ-Link cards are hosted only on the official SimplyGo website and the verified social media accounts of EZ-Link and SimplyGo. Consumers are strongly advised not to trust third-party advertisements offering heavily discounted travel cards.
For verified information, members of the public should refer to SimplyGo’s official site at ezlink.simplygo.com.sg or contact their hotline directly. Clicking on suspicious links could result not only in financial loss but also in compromised personal data, which may later be misused for identity theft.
How to Protect Yourself Against Scams
The police are urging Singaporeans to follow the “ACT Against Scams” framework — Add, Check, Tell — to stay safe online.
- Add: Install the ScamShield app and enable security features such as transaction limits, two-factor authentication (2FA), and the “Money Lock” function offered by banks.
- Check: Always cross-check with official sources if a deal looks suspicious. Dubious websites and unusual URLs are clear warning signs. If in doubt, call the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799.
- Tell: Share information about scams with family and friends. Report suspicious posts to platforms immediately and inform your bank if fraudulent transactions occur.
The police emphasise that fighting scams requires collective effort. By staying vigilant and spreading awareness, Singaporeans can better safeguard their finances and personal data from cybercriminals.