A 52-year-old woman from Kota Tinggi, Malaysia, lost RM105,600 (approximately US$25,000) to scammers operating through Telegram. The scammers used several classic tactics:

1. They advertised an investment scheme with “guaranteed” high returns
2. They offered a “free trial” investment of RM5,000
3. They paid a small return (RM247) to build trust
4. Once she was hooked, they accepted 17 separate deposits over a month
5. When she tried to withdraw, they demanded more money

This case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Malaysian Penal Code for cheating.

The authorities have recommended several precautionary measures:

• Verify investment offers through official channels
• Check the Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s social media for warnings
• Use the ‘Semak Mule’ service to verify bank accounts
• Consider using the Whoscall app to detect suspicious calls
• Report scams immediately to the National Scam Response Centre at 997

Unfortunately, this type of “high-return investment” scam is common worldwide. The initial small payout is a classic confidence trick to encourage larger investments. By the time victims realize they’ve been scammed, their money has often been moved through multiple accounts and is difficult to recover.

Always remember: legitimate investments that offer high returns typically come with corresponding levels of risk, and any “guaranteed” high returns should be viewed with extreme scepticism.

Telegram Scams in Singapore: Common Patterns and Trends

Telegram has become a popular platform for scammers targeting Singaporeans due to its encryption, anonymity features, and widespread use. Here are the most common Telegram-based scams in Singapore:

Investment Scams

• Fake Trading/Investment Groups: Scammers create legitimate-looking groups or channels promising high returns through cryptocurrency, forex, or stocks
• Ponzi/MLM Schemes: Using Telegram to recruit members into pyramid schemes
• “Sure Win” Gambling Tips: Groups claiming to have insider information on betting outcomes

Job Scams

• Task Completion Scams: Offering simple tasks with small initial payouts, then requiring “fees” or “deposits” for bigger assignments
• Fake Job Listings: Impersonating legitimate companies with attractive remote work opportunities
• Data Entry Jobs: Requiring upfront payments for “training materials” or “software access.”

Shopping/Delivery Scams

• Counterfeit Luxury Items: Telegram channels selling fake branded goods at suspiciously low prices
• Non-Existent Products: Collecting payment for products that never arrive
• Parallel Import Scams: Claiming to offer overseas products at discount prices

Romance/Social Scams

• Love Scams: Building romantic relationships before requesting financial assistance
• Friend Impersonation: Hacking accounts and reaching out to contacts for “urgent financial help.”

Red Flags to Watch For

• Groups that require immediate action or decisions
• Unusual payment methods (cryptocurrency, gift cards, mule accounts)
• Administrators who refuse to meet in person
• Promises of unrealistic returns (20%+ monthly returns)
• Limited-time offers to create false urgency
• Incomplete contact information or business registration details

Prevention Tips Specific to Telegram

1. Verify Group Legitimacy: Check if investment or job groups are registered with Singapore authorities (MAS, MOM)
2. Limit Personal Information: Never share NRIC, bank details, or passwords in Telegram chats.
3. Use Telegram’s Privacy Settings: Restrict who can see your phone number and add you to the group.
4. Report Suspicious Channels: Use Telegram’s reporting feature for suspicious accounts/groups.
5. Research Outside the Platform: Verify companies, opportunities and reviews through official websites

According to the Singapore Police Force, Telegram-based scams have increased significantly since 2021, with investment scams causing the highest monetary losses among users.