Man Wastes Time of Fake Police Scammer in Google Meet Call, Exposes New Tactic in Singapore
A Singapore-based man recently turned the tables on a scammer impersonating a police officer, after receiving a suspicious video call via Google Meet. Instead of falling victim, he recorded the interaction and later shared it online, offering a timely reminder about the evolving tactics used in digital fraud.
The incident, which took place in the evening, began when the caller appeared with a profile displaying the logo of the Singapore Police Force. The scammer also used a convincing email handle and the name “Cid Police”, attempting to project legitimacy.
The recipient, however, quickly grew suspicious — and decided to play along.
Scammer Claims Fake Investigation to Extract Banking Details
During the call, the impersonator introduced himself as “Michael” from the Criminal Investigation Department, a branch commonly associated with serious offences in Singapore. He alleged that unauthorised withdrawals of around S$1,000 were being attempted from the victim’s bank account.
The scammer then tried to escalate the situation by requesting sensitive information, including bank account details and ATM card numbers — a well-known tactic in financial scams targeting unsuspecting victims.
Despite the seemingly official setup, several red flags emerged. The caller was seen wearing a mask that occasionally slipped, revealing inconsistencies in his appearance. His behaviour also appeared rehearsed yet unconvincing, particularly when pressed with unexpected responses.
Victim Plays Along, Leaves Scammer Confused
Rather than disconnecting immediately, the man chose to waste the scammer’s time. He claimed that his ATM card had been lost, disrupting the scammer’s script. When asked to show the card, he continued to provide vague or contradictory answers.
At one point, he mentioned having multiple bank accounts — but notably excluded DBS, a major bank in Singapore. This appeared to further confuse the scammer, who eventually ended the call abruptly after realising the attempt was unsuccessful.
The video, which circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook, was accompanied by a warning urging the public to remain cautious as scams become increasingly sophisticated.
Authorities Warn of Rising Google Meet Scam Cases
According to a recent advisory, the Singapore Police Force reported multiple cases involving scammers posing as officers through video calls. Since early April, at least 13 such incidents have been recorded, with total financial losses reaching approximately S$32,000.
These scams often rely on urgency and fear, pressuring victims into revealing confidential information. Officials emphasise that legitimate authorities will never request banking credentials over phone or video calls.
Technology providers have also weighed in. Representatives from Google highlighted built-in security features within their platforms, including call restrictions and reporting tools designed to combat phishing and impersonation attempts.
Members of the public are encouraged to verify suspicious calls, avoid sharing personal financial details, and utilise official resources such as ScamShield for assistance. As digital scams continue to evolve, vigilance remains one of the most effective forms of protection in today’s online landscape.