Heads Up: Bank‑Unlocking Phishers Are on the Loose!
In recent days Singapore’s banks have been targeted by a crafty brand of phishing scam that promises to “unlock” your account, only to steer you straight into a fraud vortex. The police released a warning on October 2, alerting anyone who’s received a suspicious text about this scheme.
What’s the gist?
- Between 27 Sept and 30 Sept, the police got reports of texts that claimed to come from your bank.
- These messages beg you to enter your online banking login on a fake website.
- Once you hand over your username and password, a sneaky new payee gets added to your account, and unauthorised money starts moving.
Don’t Fall for It – Stick with the Basics
Here’s how to stay out of the scammers’ clutches:
- Verify first! If you get a “bank‑unlock” text, call your bank straight away and ask if they sent it.
- Keep it secret. Never give out your login credentials or PIN over the phone or text.
- Check the URL. Real bank sites start with https:// – the “s” stands for secure.
- Report instantly. If you’ve already clicked through, tell your bank immediately. The sooner you act, the less damage they can do.
Need to Call?
Phone the police at 1800‑255‑0000 to flag the scam, or head over to www.police.gov.sg/iwitness for an online report. For more info on how to shield yourself, the anti‑scam helpline is 1800‑722‑6688 or www.scamalert.sg.
Keep your guard up, keep your passwords tight, and when a message feels fishy, it probably is. Stay safe!
