At least 55 people fall for 4D numbers scam losing more than half a million dollars

At least 55 people have fallen prey to a scam involving 4D numbers with losses amounting to at least $507,000 this year, said police.

Victims would receive unsolicited messages from scammers claiming to represent religious figures or affiliated with religious figures via messaging application such as WhatsApp or social media platforms.

The scammers would then ask the victims if they would like to be blessed with wealth.

After the victims agree to be blessed, the scammers would offer to buy lottery numbers on behalf of the victims and subsequently inform the victims that they had won the lottery.

Scammers would ask the victims to transfer a portion of the winnings or pay various administrative fees before the winnings can be released to the victims.

The victims would realise that they had been scammed when the scammers repeatedly delay the transfer of the winnings.

You are advised to adopt the following precautionary measures:

  • Install the ScamShield app to protect yourself.
  • Be wary of offers from scammers that entice victims with financial windfalls. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do not believe offers that request money transfers in return for a larger fortune.
  • Report the number to WhatsApp to initiate in-app blocking and report the fraudulent Facebook posting and Facebook user profile to the platform. Tell your family and friends about this scam so they do not fall for it.

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. If you require urgent police assistance, please dial 999.

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