Fake Friend Call Scams
Fake Friend Call Scams
Fake friend call scams typically involve scammers contacting victims via phone calls or WhatsApp, pretending to be their acquaintance. During the conversation, the scammers would claim that they had lost their mobile phone and changed phone number. After establishing rapport, the scammers would capitalise on the perceived friendship and seek money from the victims for various reasons.
The common reasons offered by scammers for these “loans” were to pay contractors for renovation fees, pay for costs relating to the opening of new businesses, or pay vendors/suppliers. The victims would transfer money via PayNow to bank accounts belonging to unknown persons. They would discover that they had been scammed when they contacted their actual acquaintance and realised that they had neither changed their contact number nor contacted them.
At least S$23.1 million lost to scammers
Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2023
It is likely a scam if the caller:
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Calls you using an unknown number, asks you to guess who they are and claims that he/she lost his/her old phone number.
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Asks you for urgent loans for various reasons.
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Asks you to click on links or install third-party apps sent via text messages to help him/her through a difficult situation.
How to stay safe
ADD:
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ScamShield app to block scam calls and filter scam SMSes.
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Anti-virus app to your devices (see recommendations by CSA).
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International Call Blocking option to your mobile account(s).
CHECK:
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Caller’s identity by calling his/her last known number, via social media or meet-up.
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Only install apps from official app stores.
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With someone you trust.
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Call the ScamShield Helpline (1799) to check if you are unsure.
TELL:
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Warn your friends and family about your scam encounter.
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Call your bank immediately and make a police report if you think you have fallen victim.
Learn more about fake friend call scams
Friend or fraudster: Beware of unusual requests via text messages or calls
Encountered this scam? Report it!
If you have transferred money to a scammer, please visit this page for a list of immediate actions: I've Been Scammed!
Help keep the community safe by reporting any instances of this scam you’ve seen or experienced with the ScamShield App.