Singapore’s New “Catfish” Scam Hits Another Wave
Picture this: you open an email that looks oddly familiar, only to find a hot‑potato message threatening “You’re in a hot mess!” unless you send a ransom in Bitcoin. Sounds like a bad movie plot, right? But it’s happening across Singapore, with more than 15 reports pouring in since September.
The Scam Essentials
- Emails come from anonymous addresses or ones that mimic your own name.
- They claim to have screenshots of you “doing questionable stuff” offline.
- They paw at the idea that your computer was infected by malware, so they can “watch” your every move.
- Some even say they know your password or have snatched your contacts from social media, adding a spooky “genius” touch.
- In short, the only common demand? Pay up in Bitcoin.
How to Dodge the Traps
- Ignore demands for money. Don’t give in.
- Check if the sender’s email matches the known pattern of a spoofed address.
- Use a strong password and activate two‑factor authentication on all accounts.
- Keep your device’s OS and apps updated—install the latest security patches.
- Run a reliable anti‑virus program to detect suspicious software.
- Cover your webcam lens when you’re not using it to keep your privacy tight.
Need Help or Want to Report?
- Call the police at 1800‑255‑0000 or dial 999 for urgent assistance.
- For anything else, reach out to the anti‑scam helpline at 1800‑722‑6688.
- Want to share intel? You can visit www.police.gov.sg/iwitness—just type it into your browser.
Stay alert, stay safe, and remember: a polite “no” to a shady ransom request is the best defense. And if you ever feel uneasy, let the authorities know. We’re watching the scammers, not the other way around.
