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

Three men were charged in court for safety lapses, the safety lapses resulted in the death of a security officer working at OUB Centre after he dell 4 meters into a pit.

Fell from 4-meter height

26-year-old Sharun Tung Mun Hon fell into a pit on June 9, 2019, and suffered a head injury that led to his death.

The security officer ran into a cordoned-off area at 1.30 AM as he wants to warn two man that has entered the area. However, he fell into the pit.

Tung was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics.

Individuals who were charged

Property developer of OUB Centre – 50-year-old Rodney Yeo Kuang Hsing

Bar operator – 49-year-old Ong Han Peng

A&P Maintenance Services contractor – 61-year-old Teo Eng Hua

Those involved were charged with offences under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. Ong and Teo are accused of inadequate risk control measures by opening up a hole in the floor and failing to implement safe work practices/procedures.

Yeo is accused of inadequate measures to prevent the fall by not erecting barriers at the hazardous location.

The case has been adjourned to next month.