A scammer on Facebook is reportedly selling “sure win” 4D numbers online while posing as an employee of Singapore Pools.
The scam has since caught the attention of Singapore Pools, who have lodged a police report against the Facebook ad.
A netizen who came across the advertisement on Facebook, 53-year-old Mr Hu, told Shin Min Daily News that he saw the ad and sent a message on 19 June to the Facebook profile responsible.
To Mr Hu’s surprise, the person who replied to his message claimed to be an employee of Singapore Pools, the authorized lottery operator in Singapore.
The scammer went further by providing Mr Hu with a price list for the “sure win” 4D numbers. The rates differed based on the prize category, with the first prize priced at S$1,350, the second prize at S$850, and the third prize at S$350.
As Mr Hu became increasingly suspicious, he requested proof of the scammer’s identity as a Singapore Pools employee.
However, the scammer tried to evade the issue by providing excuses for not speaking over the phone or meeting in person. These evasive tactics raised red flags for Mr Hu, leading him to doubt the legitimacy of the offer.
With suspicions mounting, Mr Hu refrained from sending any money to the scammer. Instead, he chose to share his experience with the media, hoping to raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to this fraudulent scheme.
Upon learning of these deceptive practices, Singapore Pools took swift action. The company acknowledged receiving feedback regarding portals and social media accounts impersonating their employees and offering “sure win” tips.
As a result, Singapore Pools filed a police report against these websites and accounts, seeking to put an end to their illicit activities.
They have also reached out to the Facebook page behind the deceitful ads and requested that they take down the posts.