People buying CNY goodies on FB, Instagram duped into losing over $165k since Sept

At least five people have lost a total of at least $167,000 after responding to advertisements for food items such as Chinese New Year goodies, many on Facebook and Instagram, since September last year.

After clicking on the link in the ads, the buyers would be redirected to WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram messaging platforms to communicate with the “sellers”.

The buyers would be directed to download an Android Package Kit (APK) through malicious links to place orders for the food items. The APK is an app created for the Android operating system.

After downloading and installing the APK file, which included granting the app accessibility services, they would be instructed to key in their banking credentials to make full or partial payment for the items.

Unknown to the buyers, the scammers were able to access the buyers’ device remotely to steal banking credentials and passwords.

Subsequently, buyers would discover unauthorised transactions from 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. Disable “Install Unknown App” or “Unknown Sources” in your phone settings and do not grant permission to persistent pop-ups that request for access to your device’s hardware or data.

• 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). Only download and install
  applications from official app stores, such as Google Play Store for Android. Be wary if asked to download unknown apps to purchase items on Facebook or Instagram. Check the developer information on the app listing as well as the number of downloads and user reviews to ensure it is reputable and legitimate.
• TELL: Authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the suspicious content or advertisement to Facebook or Instagram. Initiate in-app blocking by reporting the number linked to the advertisement to WhatsApp. Lastly, 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.