10 people lost $17,000 in phishing scam where scammers pose as Carousell buyers

At least 10 victims have lost a total of at least $17,000 to a phishing scam on Carousell since last month, said police.

The scammers would typically approach victims on Carousell and express interest in purchasing items that the victims are selling.

After agreeing to the sale of the item, the scammer would tell victims that he would need the victims’ contact information to make payments via well-known logistic companies such as FedEx and SingPost.

The scammer would then send a phishing URL link to the victims via Carousell’s in-app chat and third-party chats like WhatsApp, instructing the victims to click on the link to receive payment.

However, upon clicking on these links, victims would be redirected to fraudulent websites, where they would be tricked into providing their banking details and One-Time Passwords (OTP) to receive payment.

Victims would only realise that they have been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made to their bank accounts.

You are advised to note and follow these crime prevention measures:

• Always verify the buyer’s profile on online marketplaces by checking the account's verification status, creation date, reviews and ratings.
• Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages.
• If in doubt, always verify the authenticity of the information with the e-commerce platform directly.
• Never disclose your personal or internet banking details and OTP to anyone.
• Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.

If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Dial ‘999’ If you require urgent police assistance.

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688.