Suitcase deals for $4? Don't fall for phishing scam involving cheap luggage ads on Facebook

Fourteen victims have fallen prey to a new phishing scam involving fake advertisements for cheap luggage on Facebook since November, losing at least $799.

The police said in a statement that in some cases, victims encountered Facebook advertisements or posts offering travel suitcases from as low as $2 from 'Singapore Airlines Travel'.

The ads abuse the Singapore Airlines trademark in the Facebook profile picture to give the posts a degree of legitimacy.

Victims would be directed to a phishing website after clicking on the ad or post by the fake Facebook account and be prompted to provide their credentials, including their name, email address and payment card details to pay for the branded luggage at the discounted price.

Their credit card details would then be misused by scammers.

The victims only realised they had been scammed after they were alerted to or discovered unauthorised transactions on their card statements.

The police advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary measures:

• ADD - ScamShield App and security features (e.g. set up transaction limits for internet banking transactions, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multifactor Authentication for banks.

• CHECK - For scam signs with official sources (e.g. ScamShield WhatsApp bot 2 https://go.gov.sg/scamshield-bot, call the Anti-Scam Helpline on 1800-722-6688, or visit www.scamalert.sg). Look out for tell-tale signs of a phishing website and if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is so check with the company on its official website if such deals are available. If in doubt, never share your personal information and payment card details with anyone.

• TELL - authorities, family and friends about scams. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.

If you have any information relating to such crimes, 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, call '999'.

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