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Published on 24 Oct 2023 by James F.
In 2022, scam victims in Singapore lost a total of $660.7 million and the migrant community lost more than $25 million to these unscrupulous activities. Unfortunately, scams are on the rise and the vulnerable position of domestic helpers has made them new targets for scammers.
Scammer safety is crucial for both you and your foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore. Understanding how to manage the FDW levy is an essential step; you will need to pay maid levy or pay FDW levy regularly to comply with regulations. Utilise the FDW eService to easily track your payments and access your FDW history. When considering a transfer helper, ensure the FDW application process is legitimate to avoid scams.
It’s also vital to have an FDW bank account set up for financial transactions and FDW levy payment management. Don’t forget the importance of foreign domestic worker insurance Singapore to protect your helper and your household. Regular FDW medical check-up should also be part of your routine care. Lastly, familiarise yourself with FDW home leave policies and the process for FDW transfer to ensure a smooth transition should the need arise. Always stay vigilant and utilise the resources provided by the MOM foreign domestic worker portal for additional support and information regarding FDW services and FDW login functionalities.
In this article, we will explore the prevalent scams in Singapore and the measures you and your helper can take to avoid these.
Phishing Scams
Scammers may trick you into revealing your personal information by pretending to be someone they are not, like a government official or a bank officer. They hook you by telling you that you need to take urgent action on something. For example, scammers will say there is trouble with your bank account. Another example is they would bait you to click on suspicious links to visit a fake website or download a fake mobile app. These fake websites or apps look convincing, but they are designed to get control of your confidential information, devices, and accounts.
Once the scammers have control of their targets' bank accounts, they can easily drain your bank account.
Signs to look out for:
- Unsolicited phone calls or messages. Be wary of calls or messages from anyone claiming you have won a lucky draw, especially when you have not entered any such thing. Legitimate organisations typically notify winners via email or physical letters, in addition to a phone call.
- Unsolicited emails. Look out for emails that threaten legal issues, account closure, delivery issues, or emails offering unbelievable deals. Scam emails often have spelling or grammar mistakes.
- They do not address targets by their name. Phishing emails often use generalised terms to address their targets to seem legitimate.
How to prevent this scam:
- Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages and emails. If you need to access your bank account, use the official app or type in your bank's web address into your web browser to ensure that you navigate to the official website.
- Never give someone your financial or credit card information without their permission. Never divulge your OTPs to others. No government organizations will call you on the phone or use robocalls (automated speech machines) to request your personal information or bank transactions.
- If the caller cannot properly identify themself, hang up right away. Always confirm the veracity of the information or request via the company's hotline, official websites, apps, or email.
- For an additional layer of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts, if available.
- Activate transaction notifications for your credit cards and bank accounts.
Internet Love Scams
We all have a natural desire to support the people we care about, and online scammers are aware of this. Before they pull the scam, they will first worm their way into the hearts of their targets, making friends with them and earning their trust. They might relate a story about getting into financial trouble and needing a loan. In exchange for your money, they might promise you high returns with little risk. Or they might request assistance in transferring money using your bank account. These funds frequently have ties to money laundering, which is illegal.
Signs to look out for:
- Fast profession of love. Shortly after getting in touch with you, the scammer professes their love for you and goes to great lengths to pique your curiosity and win your trust by using loving language and making gift-sending offers.
- Refusing to do video calls. The scammer will give all sorts of excuses when you request a video call.
- Stories of tough times. To win your sympathy, the scammer will share sudden stories of misfortune and ask for money to help them out.
- Sending gifts or packages. The scammer may send you packages, luxury gifts, and even cash to gain your trust.
- The Five (5) Stages of Internet Scam. Discover the complete techniques behind the scam here.
How to prevent this scam:
- Never let anyone else make a transaction using your bank account. Money laundering for criminals could be considered a crime and you can be liable for up to a $500,000 fine and 10 years in prison. Please be aware that you are accountable for all transactions made on your account.
- It's probably a scam if you meet someone who quickly professes his love before asking for money or assistance. Don't send him money.
- Verify the identity of the person you are talking to with an online image search on Google Images or insist on a LIVE video call.
- Investments are risky by nature. Opportunities that promise low risk and high returns should be avoided. Before you invest, always inquire, verify, and confirm.
Loan Scams
You've come across a loan scam if you receive calls, unsolicited text messages via SMS, messaging apps, or online or social media advertisements offering loans or loan services. To win your trust, the con artists may pose as employees of a legally authorized money lender. The loan cannot then be disbursed before you follow the instructions to transfer funds. Once the money has been transferred, the scammers vanish.
They might also request private data such as your NRIC, contact information, Singpass information, and bank account numbers. You are then harassed or threatened with more payments using the information. They may even harass employers of MDWs to pressure them to keep making payments.
Signs to look out for:
- Loan advertisements. Ads that reach out to you through social media platforms, SMS, messaging apps, or cold calls. Licensed money lenders are not allowed to advertise in Singapore.
- Fake websites. To convince you of their legitimacy, scammers may also create deceptive websites that seem real.
- They ask for fees first. These scammers promise instant, fuss-free loan approvals. However, you’ll have to pay transfer fees so they can process your loan application.
- Online loan approval. It is illegal to approve a loan remotely so think twice when you are speaking with someone who offers this because they are most probably scammers.
- The Six (6) Stages of Loan Scam. See how this scam works from start to finish here.
How to prevent this scam:
- Ignore any unsolicited loan advertisements. Advertisements are not allowed for licensed moneylenders. On the platform where the advertisement appeared, block and report the phone number or advertisement.
- Only seek financial assistance from reputable businesses that are listed on the Registry of Moneylenders here. Only contact the licensed moneylenders via the contact details found in the registry. Scammers may impersonate licensed moneylenders by using their names, and license numbers and creating fake websites.
- Before approving a loan, licensed moneylenders must meet the borrower in person at the designated place of business to conduct face-to-face ID verification. Online loan approval and disbursement are prohibited.
Anyone is susceptible to scams, which is why Singapore’s anti-scam campaign aims to raise citizens’ and MDW’s awareness and knowledge to recognise and avoid these unscrupulous activities. Protect yourself from scams using A.C.T.
- Add Security Measures. You may use the ScamShield app to block incoming calls from scammers and detect scam messages. To check and report scams on WhatsApp, you may use the ScamShield Bot.
- Check for Scam Signs. Always take a minute to look for signs that you are being scammed. Use trusted sources like the Singapore Police Force, National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), and Scamalert.sg for the latest updates. You can also contact the NCPC's anti-scam hotline at 1800-722-6688.
- Tell authorities and your friends. Report scams to the authorities and alert your friends or fellow MDWs to help them avoid falling victim.
What To Do If You Have Been Scammed?
If you have lost money or personal details to a scammer, here's what you can do immediately and protect yourself from further loss.
- Contact your bank to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
- Warn others and report the scam. You can prevent others from falling victim by filing a police report at the nearest Neighborhood Police Centre (https://www.police.gov.sg/Contact-Us).
- Get help to recover. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to friends or contact MOM helpline for MDWs at 1800-339-5505.
Conclusion
Scams in Singapore are a persistent concern, but with awareness, vigilance, and the right precautions, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your domestic helpers. The key to avoiding scams is to stay informed, be cautious, and safeguard your personal information. By following these principles and reporting any suspicious activity, you play an active role in helping to minimize the impact of scams on individuals and the broader community. Stay safe and secure, and let's work together to keep Singapore a thriving and scam-free environment.
In 2022, scam victims in Singapore lost a total of $660.7 million and the migrant community lost more than $25 million to these unscrupulous activities. Unfortunately, scams are on the rise and the vulnerable position of domestic helpers has made them new targets for scammers.
Scammer safety is crucial for both you and your foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore. Understanding how to manage the FDW levy is an essential step; you will need to pay maid levy or pay FDW levy regularly to comply with regulations. Utilise the FDW eService to easily track your payments and access your FDW history. When considering a transfer helper, ensure the FDW application process is legitimate to avoid scams.
It’s also vital to have an FDW bank account set up for financial transactions and FDW levy payment management. Don’t forget the importance of foreign domestic worker insurance Singapore to protect your helper and your household. Regular FDW medical check-up should also be part of your routine care. Lastly, familiarise yourself with FDW home leave policies and the process for FDW transfer to ensure a smooth transition should the need arise. Always stay vigilant and utilise the resources provided by the MOM foreign domestic worker portal for additional support and information regarding FDW services and FDW login functionalities.
In this article, we will explore the prevalent scams in Singapore and the measures you and your helper can take to avoid these.
Phishing Scams
Scammers may trick you into revealing your personal information by pretending to be someone they are not, like a government official or a bank officer. They hook you by telling you that you need to take urgent action on something. For example, scammers will say there is trouble with your bank account. Another example is they would bait you to click on suspicious links to visit a fake website or download a fake mobile app. These fake websites or apps look convincing, but they are designed to get control of your confidential information, devices, and accounts.
Once the scammers have control of their targets' bank accounts, they can easily drain your bank account.
Signs to look out for:
- Unsolicited phone calls or messages. Be wary of calls or messages from anyone claiming you have won a lucky draw, especially when you have not entered any such thing. Legitimate organisations typically notify winners via email or physical letters, in addition to a phone call.
- Unsolicited emails. Look out for emails that threaten legal issues, account closure, delivery issues, or emails offering unbelievable deals. Scam emails often have spelling or grammar mistakes.
- They do not address targets by their name. Phishing emails often use generalised terms to address their targets to seem legitimate.
How to prevent this scam:
- Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages and emails. If you need to access your bank account, use the official app or type in your bank's web address into your web browser to ensure that you navigate to the official website.
- Never give someone your financial or credit card information without their permission. Never divulge your OTPs to others. No government organizations will call you on the phone or use robocalls (automated speech machines) to request your personal information or bank transactions.
- If the caller cannot properly identify themself, hang up right away. Always confirm the veracity of the information or request via the company's hotline, official websites, apps, or email.
- For an additional layer of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts, if available.
- Activate transaction notifications for your credit cards and bank accounts.
Internet Love Scams
We all have a natural desire to support the people we care about, and online scammers are aware of this. Before they pull the scam, they will first worm their way into the hearts of their targets, making friends with them and earning their trust. They might relate a story about getting into financial trouble and needing a loan. In exchange for your money, they might promise you high returns with little risk. Or they might request assistance in transferring money using your bank account. These funds frequently have ties to money laundering, which is illegal.
Signs to look out for:
- Fast profession of love. Shortly after getting in touch with you, the scammer professes their love for you and goes to great lengths to pique your curiosity and win your trust by using loving language and making gift-sending offers.
- Refusing to do video calls. The scammer will give all sorts of excuses when you request a video call.
- Stories of tough times. To win your sympathy, the scammer will share sudden stories of misfortune and ask for money to help them out.
- Sending gifts or packages. The scammer may send you packages, luxury gifts, and even cash to gain your trust.
- The Five (5) Stages of Internet Scam. Discover the complete techniques behind the scam here.
How to prevent this scam:
- Never let anyone else make a transaction using your bank account. Money laundering for criminals could be considered a crime and you can be liable for up to a $500,000 fine and 10 years in prison. Please be aware that you are accountable for all transactions made on your account.
- It's probably a scam if you meet someone who quickly professes his love before asking for money or assistance. Don't send him money.
- Verify the identity of the person you are talking to with an online image search on Google Images or insist on a LIVE video call.
- Investments are risky by nature. Opportunities that promise low risk and high returns should be avoided. Before you invest, always inquire, verify, and confirm.
Loan Scams
You've come across a loan scam if you receive calls, unsolicited text messages via SMS, messaging apps, or online or social media advertisements offering loans or loan services. To win your trust, the con artists may pose as employees of a legally authorized money lender. The loan cannot then be disbursed before you follow the instructions to transfer funds. Once the money has been transferred, the scammers vanish.
They might also request private data such as your NRIC, contact information, Singpass information, and bank account numbers. You are then harassed or threatened with more payments using the information. They may even harass employers of MDWs to pressure them to keep making payments.
Signs to look out for:
- Loan advertisements. Ads that reach out to you through social media platforms, SMS, messaging apps, or cold calls. Licensed money lenders are not allowed to advertise in Singapore.
- Fake websites. To convince you of their legitimacy, scammers may also create deceptive websites that seem real.
- They ask for fees first. These scammers promise instant, fuss-free loan approvals. However, you’ll have to pay transfer fees so they can process your loan application.
- Online loan approval. It is illegal to approve a loan remotely so think twice when you are speaking with someone who offers this because they are most probably scammers.
- The Six (6) Stages of Loan Scam. See how this scam works from start to finish here.
How to prevent this scam:
- Ignore any unsolicited loan advertisements. Advertisements are not allowed for licensed moneylenders. On the platform where the advertisement appeared, block and report the phone number or advertisement.
- Only seek financial assistance from reputable businesses that are listed on the Registry of Moneylenders here. Only contact the licensed moneylenders via the contact details found in the registry. Scammers may impersonate licensed moneylenders by using their names, and license numbers and creating fake websites.
- Before approving a loan, licensed moneylenders must meet the borrower in person at the designated place of business to conduct face-to-face ID verification. Online loan approval and disbursement are prohibited.
Anyone is susceptible to scams, which is why Singapore’s anti-scam campaign aims to raise citizens’ and MDW’s awareness and knowledge to recognise and avoid these unscrupulous activities. Protect yourself from scams using A.C.T.
- Add Security Measures. You may use the ScamShield app to block incoming calls from scammers and detect scam messages. To check and report scams on WhatsApp, you may use the ScamShield Bot.
- Check for Scam Signs. Always take a minute to look for signs that you are being scammed. Use trusted sources like the Singapore Police Force, National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), and Scamalert.sg for the latest updates. You can also contact the NCPC's anti-scam hotline at 1800-722-6688.
- Tell authorities and your friends. Report scams to the authorities and alert your friends or fellow MDWs to help them avoid falling victim.
What To Do If You Have Been Scammed?
If you have lost money or personal details to a scammer, here's what you can do immediately and protect yourself from further loss.
- Contact your bank to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.
- Warn others and report the scam. You can prevent others from falling victim by filing a police report at the nearest Neighborhood Police Centre (https://www.police.gov.sg/Contact-Us).
- Get help to recover. If you need someone to talk to, reach out to friends or contact MOM helpline for MDWs at 1800-339-5505.
Conclusion
Scams in Singapore are a persistent concern, but with awareness, vigilance, and the right precautions, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your domestic helpers. The key to avoiding scams is to stay informed, be cautious, and safeguard your personal information. By following these principles and reporting any suspicious activity, you play an active role in helping to minimize the impact of scams on individuals and the broader community. Stay safe and secure, and let's work together to keep Singapore a thriving and scam-free environment.