Government Officials Impersonation Scams

Victims would receive unsolicited phone calls or in-app calls (e.g. WhatsApp video call) allegedly from government agencies such as the Singapore Police Force (SPF) or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The scammers would claim that there were issues with the victim’s bank accounts and required additional verification. Victims would then be asked to provide their banking or personal information such as banking credentials and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to resolve these issues. Victims may also be asked to show their identity cards, work permit or their bank cards when speaking to the “SPF” or “MOM” officer over the in-app video call. The victims would only discover that they had been scammed when they realised that there were unauthorised transactions made from their bank accounts.

At least S$92.5 million lost to scammers

Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2023

Government officials will never ask you

To transfer money to unknown bank accounts
Provide your personal, banking, SingPass or CPF related information over the phone;
Lie to any bank staff or any other government officials that may call you;
Click on unknown links that lead to bank websites, or download dubious third-party apps/software to aid investigations

Additional Advisories

•Overseas law enforcement agencies have no legal powers to require members of the public in Singapore to assist in their investigations without the approval of the Singapore government

•SPF officers will never identify themselves by sending an image of their warrant card through online communication channels.

How to stay safe

ADD: ScamShield app, Anti-virus app as recommended by CSA, Money Lock for your bank accounts, International Call Blocking with your telcos and security features such as 2FA for your online accounts.

CHECK: for scam signs and with official sources, e.g., NCPC Anti-Scam Helpline @ 1800-722-6688, ScamShield WhatsApp bot or the ScamAlert Website.

•The NCPC Anti-Scam Helpline can also verify the identity of the Police Officer who is trying to reach you.

•Never disclose your personal information (including SingPass and CPF-related), internet banking and social media account details, and one-time passwords (OTPs) to anyone

TELL: Report & block these scammers on your social and messaging platforms. Report any fraudulent transactions to your bank immediately.

Learn more about government officials impersonation scams

Urgent calls from the police or the bank? Learn how to know if it's a scam

More fall victim to scammers posing as local and foreign officials

Received an SMS from the Government? Here's an easy way to tell if it's real

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.