What to do if you receive text demanding $5,000 for 'kidnapped' daughter

There has been a recent surge in police reports from members of the public saying that they have gotten short service messages (SMS) claiming that their loved ones have been kidnapped.

The SMSes also asked for money to be transferred to a bank account number to ensure the safety of their loved ones.

In a statement, the police advised members of the public to adopt the following measures: 

• Remain calm and do not transfer any money as instructed by the SMSes;
• Contact your loved one immediately to confirm their safety;
• Do not reply to the SMS. Block and report the number as spam.

Stompers Sonia and Kyra were two of the many people who received such a text.

Sonia had shared with Stomp a screenshot of a text claiming that her "daughter" has been kidnapped and to "bank in $5,000 now if you want your daughter safe". 

She immediately knew that it was a scam but decided to share her concern with Stomp.

She said: "I don't have a daughter but what if some elderly person has a daughter?"

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Kyra, who shared a photo of the exact same text on Stomp's Facebook page, also reminded the public to not "fall for this BS".

Should anyone wish to provide any information relating to such cases, call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. If urgent police assistance is required, please dial ‘999’.