SINGAPORE: At least 1, 098 people have dropped prey since January to scams including fraudsters pretending to be the victims’ friends, with total losses of around S$4. 5mil (RM14. 44mil).
In a statement on Monday (Aug 29), the police said there is a persistent pattern of scammers getting in touch with victims through phone calls, pretending to be their buddies while asking for financial assistance.
Law enforcement said the victim would receive telephone calls from unknown quantities with the “+” word.
When the calls are answered, the particular caller would not determine themselves and rather mislead victims with questions such as “Guess who am I actually? ” or “You can’t remember me personally? “.
Thinking they are acquainted, the particular victims would answer with the name of a friend who they will think sound like the caller, said the authorities.
The caller will then assume the particular identify of the friend while claiming to have lost his cell phone or changed their contact number.
He will then request the victim in order to update his amount in the victim’s contact list.
After a couple of days, the caller might contact the target and ask for loans due to financial problems or troubles with the law.
He’d provide bank account numbers or phone numbers to transfer money in order to.
“Victims would discover that they have been cheated only after getting in touch with their actual friends whom the scammers have impersonated”, stated the police.
Individuals are advised to beware of phone calls with the “+” word, particularly if they are not expecting a worldwide call.
The authorities also urged the public to be wary of unusual requests received via phone calls or communications even if they look like from family or friends.
The public is also advised to verify the legitimacy of the request simply by checking with friends and family through alternative indicates, such as physical meet-ups or using previously established contact information. – The Straits Times (Singapore)/Asia Information Network