Only 2 weeks into November, but 237 victims have lost over $606k to social media impersonation scams

At least 237 victims have lost $606,000 to social media impersonation scams since November 2023, said the police on Monday (Nov 13).

Of these, 93 are victims who have lost at least $176,000 to a variant of the impersonation scam. In such cases, scammers would use compromised WhatsApp accounts obtained through the use of fake 'WhatsApp Web' phishing website to impersonate WhatsApp users, and subsequently to scam the said users’ family or friends.

The police shared more information about the scam variant following a similar advisory about fake 'WhatsApp Web' websites last month.

"In this scam variant, scammers would use compromised WhatsApp accounts belonging to the victims to reach out to their family or friends in the contact list," police warned.

"The scammers would impersonate the victims and give various reasons to get victims to loan them monies."

The scammers would typically claim that they needed money urgently for themselves, to pay for purchases, or to help a friend or relative in need e.g. medical emergencies.

They would do so under the pretext that their bank accounts have been restricted in some form, such as due to exceeded transfer limits.

The scammers may also request victims to provide a screenshot showing the transfer to request for more monies.

"Victims would then be asked to transfer money to unfamiliar bank accounts or PayNow numbers, supposedly belonging to the WhatsApp users' family or friends," police added.

The victims would only realise they have been scammed after contacting or being contacted by their loved ones saying that they have not received any money.

Members of the public are advised to adopt these precautionary measures:

1. ADD – Security features to your WhatsApp account by enabling the Two-Step Verification feature. This can be done by opening WhatsApp and going to Settings → Account → Two-step verification → Enable. Set a device code and be aware of who has physical access to your phone.

2. CHECK – That you are on WhatsApp Web's official website. Be wary of unusual requests received over WhatsApp, even if they were sent by your WhatsApp contacts. Check your linked devices regularly. Go to WhatsApp settings > linked devices to review all devices linked to your account. To remove a linked device, tap the device > Log Out.

3. TELL – authorities, family, and friends about scams. Never share your WhatsApp account verification codes, personal information, banking details, and OTPs with anyone; report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.

If you have any information relating to such crimes or are in doubt, 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. Dial '999' for urgent police assistance.

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