Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Singapore, a series of cunning schemes began to unfold, targeting unsuspecting citizens. It all started when the Singapore Police Force and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) sounded the alarm about a new wave of scams sweeping through the nation. These scams involved crafty impersonators who posed as officials from MAS, representatives from NTUC Union, Income Insurance, and even staff from Unionpay.
The tale began in January 2025, when reports started trickling in about these deceitful acts. At least six unfortunate souls had already fallen victim, collectively losing a staggering sum of at least S$1.7 million. The method these scammers employed was both simple and sinister, preying on the trust and naivety of their targets.
Picture this: a regular day is interrupted by an unexpected phone call from a local number, perhaps beginning with “+65” or “8.” On the other end of the line, a voice claimed to be from NTUC Union, Income Insurance, or Unionpay. The caller’s tone was urgent yet reassuring, informing the person that there were unresolved premiums linked to a life insurance policy—either newly issued or about to expire—in their name.
As the story unfolded, the victim was seamlessly connected to another smooth-talking individual masquerading as an Income Insurance or Unionpay representative. This second scammer earnestly requested sensitive personal information, such as bank account details and personal credentials, all under the guise of verifying policy specifics.
The plot thickened as the victim was warned that unless immediate action were taken to cancel the insurance policy, outstanding fees would be automatically deducted from their bank account. To avoid this fate, they were instructed to verify their bank accounts by transferring money to a specified account. In some scenarios, victims were even guided step-by-step through this process using WhatsApp’s screen-sharing feature.
Throughout this ordeal, the victims were lulled into a false sense of security with promises that their money would be safely returned once their insurance policies were successfully cancelled. Alas, many learned too late that they had been ensnared in a web of deception.
This cautionary tale reminds us to always stay vigilant and question unsolicited communications, for not every friendly voice is what it seems.
Once upon a time, in a bustling city, there were unsuspecting individuals who found themselves ensnared in a devious plot. These individuals, let’s call them the victims of circumstance, were lured into a web spun by cunning tricksters. These tricksters posed as officials from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), weaving tales that would alarm even the most cautious souls. They spun stories of bank accounts allegedly tangled in money laundering webs or whispered secrets of personal information being compromised. The solution, they claimed, was simple: transfer your money to a specific account to aid in their so-called investigations. Trusting and concerned, the victims complied, only to discover the truth when the tricksters vanished without a trace, leaving behind empty promises and shattered trust.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the city, NTUC Union, Income Insurance, and UnionPay stood as beacons of integrity. They knew the importance of safeguarding personal information and finances. They never solicited personal details or payments through unexpected phone calls, emails, WhatsApp messages, or SMS. Such requests were nothing but shadows of deceit meant to mislead the unwary. Payments for insurance policies were safely conducted through secure channels like Income Insurance’s official customer portal, ME@INCOME, their Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) phone system, AXS, and internet banking bill payment. Should any citizen sense something amiss, they could swiftly report suspicious activities to Income Insurance’s hotline or visit one of their branches for guidance. Policyholders had their trusted advisors to lean on for support. More pearls of wisdom on security can be found at income.com.sg/security-advisory. And for UnionPay users, a vigilant eye was kept over transactions with a helpline ready to assist those in need.
The guardians at MAS wished to send a message across the land: never would they request money transfers or the revelation of personal or banking secrets. They held no records of individual financial journeys nor did they possess any funds belonging to individuals. Their mission was clear – to protect and not to prey.
And so, the tale unfolds as a reminder to all: vigilance and awareness are the keys to protecting oneself from the shadows of deceit lurking in unexpected corners.
Once upon a time, in a bustling town, the wise council gathered the townsfolk for an important announcement. They shared a tale of caution, urging everyone to be vigilant and protect their treasures. “Dear friends,” they began, “beware of strangers who seek to know your secrets or ask for gold. Guard your possessions carefully, and do not let them peer into your magical devices.”
The council then imparted a series of protective charms known as the ADD, CHECK, and TELL spells.
“First,” they advised, “cast the ADD spell. Summon the mighty ScamShield App to ward off unwanted calls and filter out deceptive messages. Set limits on your daily spending and keep a watchful eye on your gold reserves. If you sense anything amiss, alert the keepers of your treasure at once. Use the Money Lock enchantment to secure a portion of your wealth, ensuring it remains safe from digital thieves.”
Next, the council spoke of the CHECK spell. “Always be on the lookout for signs of trickery,” they cautioned. “Consult trusted sources, like the ScamShield App, to discern truth from deceit. Should doubts arise, call upon the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for guidance.”
Lastly, they introduced the TELL spell. “Share your experiences with the authorities, kin, and companions,” they urged. “If you suspect foul play or fall victim to a scammer’s ruse, contact your bank immediately to halt any fraudulent actions and report the crime to the constables.”
As the gathering concluded, the council reminded the townsfolk that more wisdom could be found at www.scamshield.gov.sg. They emphasised that protecting their community from scams required everyone’s effort. With these spells and a united front, they could ACT Against Scams and shield their beloved town from harm.
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