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Singapore
AT LEAST S$7.1 MILLION LOST TO TECH SUPPORT SCAMS SINCE JANUARY 2022
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Singapore
AT LEAST S$7.1 MILLION LOST TO TECH SUPPORT SCAMS SINCE JANUARY 2022
(File photo: iStock)
IAN CHENG
Ian Cheng
26 Apr 2022 10:25PM (Updated: 27 Apr 2022 06:01PM)
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SINGAPORE: A recurring tech support scam has duped at least 154 victims since
January this year with losses amounting to at least S$7.1 million, the
authorities warned on Tuesday (Apr 26).
These scammers would approach victims under the pretext of assisting them to
resolve computer or Wi-Fi network issues, said the police and Cyber Security
Agency of Singapore (CSA) in a joint news release.
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Victims would typically receive a pop-up alert while using an Internet browser
on their computer or an unsolicited phone call from individuals claiming to work
for Internet service providers.
POP-UP ALERT
The pop-up alert would inform victims that their computer has been compromised.
The alert would also include instructions for them to contact the software
provider - such as Microsoft - at a stated number for assistance.
The number would usually appear as variants of +653159(XXXX), leading victims to
believe that it was a valid local help desk contact number.
Victims who called the provided number would speak to scammers impersonating
tech support personnel.
UNSOLICITED CALL
Scammers behind these unsolicited calls would claim to work for Internet Service
Providers (ISPs) such as Singtel.
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The scammers would then indicate that the victims’ Wi-Fi network had been
compromised by hackers, and they were calling to assist in resolving the issue.
In some instances, the scammers would claim that there were fraudulent
transactions made from the victims’ bank account, and that an investigation
officer purportedly from government agencies, such as the CSA or the police, was
investigating the incident.
In such cases, the scammers might also send fake verification emails from
spoofed email accounts to the victims.
RELATED:
900 PHISHING SCAMS 'OBSERVED' SINCE JANUARY, POLICE IMPERSONATION CASES
RE-EMERGING: SPF
POLICE WARN AGAINST PHISHING SCAMS IMPERSONATING AS BANKS
REMOTE ACCESS APPLICATION
Following either method, the scammers would then request the victims to download
a remote access application, such as Teamviewer, Ultraviewer, or AnyDesk.
Under the pretext of resolving the issue, the scammers would instruct the
victims to log into their Internet banking account, and to provide their credit
or debit card details and One-Time Password (OTP).
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Following this, the scammers would utilise the remote access application to
transfer funds from the victims’ bank accounts or make fraudulent charges to the
victims’ credit or debit card.
SCANNING SINGPASS QR CODE
In some instances, victims would be directed to scan a Singpass QR code on a
phishing website with their Singpass app, with scammers claiming that it was
part of the verification process.
By scanning the QR code and authorising the transaction, the victims would
unintentionally give the scammers access to create cryptocurrency wallets with
their details. These cryptocurrency wallets would later be used by scammers to
facilitate the flow of illicit proceeds.
The police and CSA reminded members of the public that no telecommunications
service provider or government agency will request for personal details as well
as access to online bank accounts over the phone or through automated voice
machines.
They will also not request payment for services rendered.
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RELATED:
POLICE WARN OF SMS PHISHING SCAM INVOLVING FAKE SINGPASS WEBSITE
COMMENTARY: SINGPASS AND DIGITAL ICS MAKE OUR LIVES MUCH EASIER, BUT AT WHAT
COST?
Anyone who believes they have fallen prey to such scams should take these
immediate steps:
* Uninstall any software that you have installed at the instructions of the
scammers.
* Log off and turn off your computer to limit any further activities that the
scammers can execute.
* Report the incident to your bank to halt further activities relating to your
bank accounts.
* Change your Internet banking credentials and remove any unauthorised payees
who may have been added to your bank accounts.
* Report the matter to the police.
RELATED:
MORE THAN S$1.2 MILLION IN TOTAL LOST TO SCAMMERS PRETENDING TO BE VICTIMS'
FRIENDS
POLICE WARN OF SCAMMERS IMPERSONATING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICERS
Members of the public are also encouraged adopt these preventive measures:
* Ignore such calls and the caller’s instructions. The "+" sign prefix
indicates that it is an international incoming call. Domestic calls will not
display the this prefix.
* Do not panic and do not follow instructions to install applications, type
commands into your computer or log into your Internet banking accounts.
* When in doubt, always call the official hotline of your software provider,
telecommunications service provider or government agency to verify whether
the information you have received is sent by the organisation and if the
transaction involves authentication using Singpass.
* When logging into a digital service with your Singpass app, ensure that the
domain URL displayed on your Singpass app’s consent page matches that on your
browser before proceeding. If not, do not tap on the "Log In" button on the
consent screen.
* Never allow others to watch you enter your personal particulars, bank login
details, or Singpass ID, passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
details such as SMS OTP and Singpass passcode.
* Report any fraudulent activity in your bank account to your bank immediately.
Those with information on such scams can call the police hotline at
1800-255-0000 or submit a report online. Those who require urgent police
assistance can dial 999.
Those encountering scammers impersonating CSA officers can report the incident
to the agency. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Source: CNA/ic(zl)
RELATED TOPICS
scams Singapore Police Force SPF Cyber Security Agency of Singapore
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