Beware of parcel delivery scams: $182,000 lost by at least 130 victims this month

Shopping for Christmas? Stay vigilant and beware of parcel delivery scams.

Warning members of the public on the re-emergence of phishing scams involving the delivery of parcels during the festive season, the police said that at least 130 victims have fallen prey to such scams since December 2022, with total losses amounting to at least $182,000.

The police said: "Victims of such phishing scams would receive emails or text messages informing them that their parcels are awaiting delivery or that they had outstanding bills that were due for payment.

"Victims would click on an embedded Uniform Resource Locater (URL) link in the message to view information regarding their parcel deliveries.

"Upon clicking on the URL links, victims would be redirected to fraudulent websites, which would request for their credit or debit card details and One Time Passwords (OTPs)."

Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made to their credit or debit cards.

Members of the public are advised to follow these crime prevention measures:

Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails or text messages;

• Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources, even if you are expecting the delivery of a parcel;

• Always check the transaction details before approving any transactions;

• Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone; and

• Report any fraudulent credit or debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card to your bank immediately.

Those with information related to such crimes can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. For urgent police assistance, call 999.

Members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688 for more info on scams.

View the gallery to see more parcel delivery scam messages.