Beware of texts and emails impersonating SingPost and DHL, they're scams

There has been an increase in non-banking phishing scams involving emails and text messages related to parcel delivery, said the police on Saturday (Jan 16).

"Victims of such phishing scams would receive emails or text messages purportedly sent from a delivery company such as SingPost and DHL," added the police.

"These phishing emails and text messages would usually prompt the victims to check on the status of their parcel delivery by clicking on the URL link included in the emails and text messages.

"Upon clicking on the URL links, victims would be redirected to fraudulent websites where they would be required to provide their credit/debit card details and a One-Time Password (OTP)."

In some cases, the victims were instructed to key in their Apple ID information and OTP. Most of the victims only realised that they have been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made using their credit/debit card or to their Apple account.

The police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following crime prevention measures:

• Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages;
• Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources;
• Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone; and
• Report any fraudulent credit/debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card immediately.

If you have information related 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.

Please 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.

"Join the ‘Spot the Signs. Stop the Crimes’ campaign at www.scamalert.sg/fight by signing up as an advocate to receive up-to-date messages and share them with your family and friends," added the police.

"Together, we can help stop scams and prevent our loved ones from becoming the next victim."