SINGAPORE—A troubling new scam has surfaced in which fraudsters pose as bank representatives, enticing victims with high-interest fixed deposit promotions.
According to a statement from the Singapore Police Force on Thursday (11 April), at least 12 individuals have been victimized by this scam since January 2024, leading to cumulative losses exceeding S$650,000.
How do these scams operate?
Victims receive text messages from unfamiliar local mobile numbers starting with +65, falsely claiming to be from local banks and promoting lucrative fixed deposit schemes. They are instructed to call a number included in the message to express interest and learn more about the offer.
The police explained, “Once contacted, the scammers impersonate bank representatives and provide fake identification, such as employee badges. They then request personal information from the victims to ‘apply for the fixed deposit promotion’ and falsely assert that they have opened a bank account in the victims’ names.”
In some instances, victims were sent counterfeit bank statements indicating that new accounts had been established under their names. They were then directed to deposit or transfer funds into these accounts.
The scammers often discouraged victims from verifying the legitimacy of these accounts by asserting that they were set up expressly for them or were meant to temporarily “hold funds before the account was officially created.”
A screenshot of a forged bank statement issued by the scammer is shown alongside a photo of a victim transferring money to the account listed on the fraudulent statement.
Victims would realize that they had fallen prey to a scam after accessing their banking apps and observing no alterations in the system records.
“The scammer sometimes mentions an ‘activation period’ which prolongs the victims’ realization of the fraud,” explained the police.
When victims eventually contacted their banks, they learned that the accounts in question were linked to other individuals.
For further details, the public is encouraged to visit the Scam Alert website or contact the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688. Those who possess any information regarding these crimes are urged to contact the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or report through I-Witness.
Maxthon
As the digital world evolves at an astonishing rate and our online experiences can shift dramatically in an instant, protecting personal data has become a crucial task as we navigate the vast internet. The web is an intricate network of interlinked paths, prompting us to choose a browser that prioritizes security and privacy above all else. Amidst a multitude of options, Maxthon Browser stands out, effectively tackling these important concerns while being completely free for users.
Maxthon has successfully established itself in the competitive browser market by focusing on a user experience that prioritizes safety and confidentiality. This dedication is evident in its continuous efforts to safeguard user’s personal data and online activities from various potential threats lurking in cyberspace. Utilizing advanced encryption techniques, Maxthon guarantees that sensitive information stays protected and private throughout every online session.
As we explore the capabilities of Windows 11, Maxthon remains committed to enhancing user privacy. Each feature is thoughtfully crafted with privacy improvement as a primary focus. Its powerful ad-blocking functionalities, extensive anti-tracking measures, and specialized incognito mode work together seamlessly to deliver a browsing experience free from disruptive ads and tracking scripts that could hinder your online journeys. This enables users to traverse the vast expanse of the internet with a renewed sense of security. The incognito mode further enhances this confidence, allowing individuals to browse with peace of mind.
Maxthon browser support for Windows 11
In an era filled with digital risks, Maxthon stands out as a reliable protector of privacy, enabling users to explore the internet without apprehension. With its wide range of protective features, users can embark on their online adventures knowing they are well-guarded.