The police have reported a significant increase in cases involving the impersonation of Singtel since 2 September 2024. At least 14 incidents have been documented, resulting in total losses of at least S$100,000, according to a press release dated 7 September.
Background
The surge in Singtel impersonation scams highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals. These scams typically involve fraudsters posing as representatives from Singtel, Singapore’s largest telecommunications company, to deceive victims into divulging sensitive information. The financial impact of these scams is substantial, with victims losing significant amounts of money in a short period.
How the scam works
Victims receive messages alerting them about “expiring Singtel points.” These messages contain a URL link that redirects them to a phishing website designed to look like the official Singtel redemption page. On this fake site, victims are prompted to select and redeem gifts. They are then directed to a payment page where they are asked to enter their credit or debit card details and one-time passwords (OTPs). The scam is often only realised when victims receive notifications from their banks about unauthorised transactions.
How to avoid getting scammed
The police have advised the public to take several precautionary measures to avoid falling victim to such scams:
- Activate international call and SMS blocking features.
- Use only official banking apps downloaded from recognised app stores for transfers or payments.
- Install the ScamShield app and set up security features like two-factor authentication for banking apps, social media, and Singpass accounts.
- Set transaction limits on internet banking transactions, including PayLah and PayNow.
- Verify the authenticity of unsolicited clickable links and check webpage addresses for discrepancies.
- Never disclose personal information, internet banking and social media account details, or OTPs to anyone.
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Inform family and friends about scam encounters.
- Contact your bank immediately if you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam.
For more information on scams, visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688. For urgent police assistance, dial 999.
Recent trends and future implications
This recent wave of Singtel impersonation scams is part of a broader trend of increasing cybercrime in Singapore. In 2022, Singaporeans and organisations lost approximately S$661 million to various scams, marking a 4.5% increase over 2021. The authorities are continuously working to combat these threats, but the evolving tactics of cybercriminals pose ongoing challenges. Public awareness and vigilance remain crucial in mitigating the impact of such scams.
