11 people lose more than $400k after downloading fake FairPrice or Sheng Siong app on Android

At least 11 people have fallen prey to a new malware scam involving fake supermarket apps with total losses of at least $403,000 since last month, said the police.

In these cases, the victims would come across advertisements on Facebook promoting food items such as rice, cookies or duck.

Upon clicking on the link in the ads, they were redirected to WhatsApp where the “sellers” would engage the victims who would be directed to download an Android Package Kit (APK).

The malicious apps resemble the FairPrice Group or Sheng Siong apps.

After downloading and installing the APK file, which includes granting the app accessibility services, the scammers would be able to access the victim’s device remotely to steal banking credentials and passwords.

Victims were also instructed to make payment for the food items, become a member or pay for delivery.

Subsequently, the victims would discover unauthorised transactions in their banking accounts.

You are advised to adopt the following precautionary measures to avoid getting scammed:

• ADD: ScamShield to protect yourselves from scam calls and SMSes. Add anti-virus applications and ensure that these apps are updated to scan for the latest malware.

  

  Also ensure your devices’ operating systems and applications are updated regularly to be protected by the latest security patches.

• CHECK: For scam signs with official sources (such as ScamShield WhatsApp bot @ go.gov.sg/scamshield-bot, call the Anti-Scam Helpline on 1800-722-6688, or visit www.scamalert.sg). Always verify the authenticity of the information with the hotels through the official contact details listed on the hotels’ webpages. Do not click on links provided in unsolicited messages. Look out for tell-tale signs of a phishing website and never disclose your personal or banking credentials to anyone.
• TELL: Authorities, family, and friends about scams. 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. All information will be kept strictly confidential.