Stomper two steps ahead of scammer posing as police officer: 'Very stupid of him'

Submitted by Stomper Sharon

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A Stomper was two steps ahead of a scammer who was posing as a police officer.

Stomper Sharon told Stomp that the man, wearing a police uniform and sitting in front of a backdrop that says 'Singapore Police Force', video called her via WhatsApp on Mar 1.

"This imposter was daring enough to video chat with me and claimed he was from the police," she said.

"He showed me his tag and he kept asking me to show my IC (identity card) to him.

"I told him to take his mask off and screenshot him twice just in case he cut off the call.

"He heard the clicks while I was asking him who he was then quickly hung up.

"This is what he looks like.

"Very stupid of him to video call thinking I will show him my NRIC when he flashed me his tag."

Sharon then made a police report the following day.

In response to a Stomp query, the police confirmed a report was lodged.

Last month, Stomp reported that at least 148 victims lost over $182,000 to government official impersonation scams.

The police emphasised that SPF does not ask members of the public to provide their bank account information and passwords or to transfer money to any bank account.

They also advise the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:

  • Add - Install the ScamShield app to protect yourself.

  • Check - Before giving banking credentials over the telephone or WhatsApp, check with authorised sources because the police will never ask you for your banking credentials and OTP over the telephone or WhatsApp. Never share your banking credentials, including your OTPs, with anyone over the phone.

  • Tell – Report the number to WhatsApp for them to initiate in-app blocking. If you have disclosed your banking details, report this to your bank immediately. Tell your friends about this scam so they do not fall for it.

If you have information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

Call ‘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.

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