Have you ever received an email from someone claiming to be a royal, asking for assistance in moving money out of their country in return for a share of the funds? Or you’ve gotten a call telling you that you’ve won a lucrative lottery overseas, with the catch being that you must provide your banking information to claim your prize. These scenarios are just a couple of classic scams that have existed since mobile technology became integral to our lives.
In recent years, however, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting not just individuals but also businesses and organisations. In Singapore, for example, the first half of 2020 witnessed a staggering 140 per cent rise in reported scams compared to the previous year. Even more alarming is the finding from a survey conducted by the Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre, which revealed that nearly half of the scam victims admitted to falling prey to scams more than once.
The Singapore Police Force reported that last year alone, scammers managed to steal an astounding $201 million, much of it through online channels. As people turned to websites and apps for essential activities like banking and grocery shopping amid the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have even started targeting remote workers through automated calls and older individuals who may not be as familiar with the technology.
The growing number of scam victims highlights the increasingly sophisticated psychological tactics employed by scammers. They create convincing false evidence, impersonate the victim’s close friends, and exploit the victim’s feelings of shame about potentially being deceived to continue siphoning off money. Romance scammers, in particular, excel at identifying lonely and vulnerable individuals who can be easily manipulated. This demographic has expanded globally due to the social isolation caused by the pandemic.
To protect yourself and others, it’s crucial to understand the common strategies used in fraud. Here are ten prevalent scams currently affecting Singapore, presented without any specific order:
E-commerce scams have become increasingly prevalent, often targeting unsuspecting buyers with enticing offers for high-value items. Recently, a 28-year-old woman posted a listing for a Rolex watch on Carousell, catching the eye of a potential buyer. After the buyer transferred $5,000 to her account, she vanished without a trace, leaving them with nothing but disappointment.
These scams typically feature listings that showcase prices significantly lower than market value or make extravagant claims about the items being sold. For instance, some listings promote miracle products, like COVID-19 test kits that promise results in just ten minutes, drawing in eager customers.
To protect yourself from such scams, it’s crucial to use online platforms that include payment protection features. These systems hold funds until the buyer confirms receipt of the item, adding a layer of security to transactions.
Additionally, if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Always exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making any purchases.
Social media has also become a breeding ground for impersonation scams. Fraudsters often pose as telecommunications employees, celebrities, or even close friends and family members by stealing their profile pictures. A notable case involved Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng, who was recently impersonated online, highlighting the pervasive nature of these deceptive tactics.
When engaging with a social media account, it’s crucial to verify its authenticity before proceeding. Many platforms, like Twitter and Instagram, use blue check marks to signify verified users. This simple step can save you from falling victim to scams.
In the realm of online romance, scammers often create elaborate personas. They initiate relationships filled with passionate messages, professing their undying love. However, these so-called partners typically avoid video chats and claim to live far away. Despite boasting about stable jobs, they continually ask for small loans, exploiting their victims’ emotions.
To protect yourself, utilise tools like Google Reverse Image Search. This can help determine if the profile pictures are authentic or stolen from elsewhere on the internet. Additionally, searching for phrases or messages they’ve used may reveal whether they’re using standard scam scripts.
Another prevalent scam involves attractive strangers on platforms like WeChat or Tinder. These individuals may offer sexual favours in exchange for iTunes gift cards or AliPay credits. Once the victim sends the requested cards, the scammer vanishes without a trace, leaving the victim feeling betrayed and confused. Always approach online interactions with caution and scepticism.
Chinese Officials Impersonation
In recent months, there has been a troubling rise in scams targeting Chinese nationals living in Singapore. Scammers, posing as Chinese officials, often initiate contact through phone calls, claiming that the victim is under investigation for a crime. They pressure the victim to make a payment to halt the investigation. One particularly heartbreaking case involved a woman who was deceived into handing over a staggering $1 million. Other victims have unknowingly used Bitcoin vending machines and QR codes to facilitate these illicit transactions.
If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s crucial to resist the urge to pay immediately. Feeling frightened or threatened is common, but don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Additionally, contacting the police can provide guidance and assistance.
Tech Support Scams
Even those with technical expertise are not immune to scams. A notable incident involved an IT professional who unwittingly transferred $180,000 to scammers, believing he was aiding the government in an operation to catch hackers. These scams often manifest as fake software upgrades that take control of your computer or through spoofed emails that appear to come from legitimate clients or employees, thereby gaining the victim’s trust.
To protect yourself, always verify any requests for software downloads related to work with your IT department. Ensuring legitimacy can save you from falling victim to these sophisticated scams.
Banking-Related Phishing
In today’s digital landscape, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. They often spoof phone numbers that belong to legitimate banks, making fraudulent messages about suspended ATM cards or unauthorised transactions appear credible. This deception leads victims to disclose their banking passwords or pay fictitious fees unwittingly. It’s crucial to remember that reputable institutions will never reach out to customers requesting financially sensitive information over the phone. 
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from your bank, take caution. Rather than responding to the message, call your bank’s official hotline directly. This simple step can help verify whether the communication is genuine or a scam.
Non-Banking-Related Phishing
Another prevalent form of phishing is the parcel delivery scam. In these schemes, victims are prompted to enter their credit card details to track a package or even pay exorbitant customs fees for items that do not exist. For example, one woman was misled into paying $2,500 for customs clearance on gifts from a man who turned out to be a fraudster.
To protect yourself, always scrutinise messages regarding parcel tracking. They should not originate from personal email addresses or unknown phone numbers. Additionally, be wary of messages written in unfamiliar languages, as they often signal a scam. Stay vigilant and safeguard your personal information against these deceptive practices.
Maxthon
Ensuring your safety while navigating the internet is paramount, and utilising a secure, privacy-focused browser is essential in this regard. An excellent choice for achieving this is the Maxthon Browser, which is available at no cost. This browser is equipped with integrated Adblock and anti-tracking capabilities that significantly bolster your online privacy.
Maxthon is committed to delivering a safe and private browsing environment for its users. Emphasising safeguarding personal data and online behaviour from potential risks, the browser employs rigorous strategies to protect user information. It leverages sophisticated encryption techniques to guarantee that your data remains secure throughout your online sessions.
When it comes to enhancing online privacy, Maxthon stands out by incorporating various features such as ad blockers, anti-tracking mechanisms, and incognito mode. By filtering out unwanted advertisements and stopping tracking scripts, it fosters a safer atmosphere for users as they browse the web. The incognito mode further amplifies this privacy by allowing individuals to surf the internet without leaving any trace of their activities or history on their devices.
Maxthon’s dedication to user privacy and security is evident in its consistent updates and enhancements aimed at fortifying the browser against new threats. These updates are crucial for addressing potential vulnerabilities and ensuring that Maxthon remains a trustworthy option for anyone looking for a private browsing experience. In summary, the Maxthon Browser equips users with a wide range of tools and features designed to provide a secure and private online experience, making it an excellent choice for those who value their digital privacy.