A Friendly Alert: The PUB Phishing Scam That’s Easier to Spot Than a Lost Keys
So you just got an email that’s flashing you a shiny refund of $342.54 from the Public Utilities Board (PUB). Before you start dancing around the office, pause, check, and keep your instincts sharp. That email is a classic phishing scam, not a genuine citizen courtesy.
How the Scam Unfolds
- The message pretends you’re being double‑charged for your previous bill.
- It promises a refund but only if you deposit more money and click a suspicious link.
- It demands that you share your account ID, password, and OTP – the exact combination a hacker needs.
Why It Looks Fishy from the Start
- The word “refund” is misspelled (extra “f”).
- The sender’s email address sounds off – like it’s spelled by a typoist who’s half‑waking up.
- The subject line uses inconsistent letter casing (capital letters popping all over the place).
- The tone is a bit too smug, as if it’s bragging about how “won’t you see the error!”
How One Singaporean Stayed Cool
Amex Chiew, a Facebook user, received this mis‑shipped email on Sunday, June 5. Immediately, he posted it on the Complaint Singapore group, saying:
“Received the email this morning and note the mistake too. Haha. Don’t be blinded by the refund amount and give your account ID, password and OTP.”
What to Do If You Get a Rare Glance
- Don’t click any links; instead, verify the sender by checking official PUB communication channels.
- Check the spelling and formatting – scammers often trip over small errors.
- Report the phishing email to PUB’s official email address or complain through the Complaint Singapore group.
Bottom Line
Keep your guard up, double‑check everything, and if something feels off—like a golden ticket with a typo—pretend you’re the lucky prize‑hunter who refuses the scam. And don’t forget to spread the word so more netizens stay safe!
PUB warns Singaporeans about fresh waves of scam attacks
On a regular Sunday, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) took to Facebook to drop a friendly yet urgent heads‑up about how scammers are sharpening their tricks. The post highlighted two main feds: text/email phishing and the ever‑present call‑in deceit.
How they’re tricking us
- Emails that look legit – They’ll use an official‑looking domain that’s just a tweak away from the real one, plus some typo or grammar hiccups for the extra layer of false trust.
- SMS & WhatsApp scams – If a message purports to be from PUB, treat it as a scam straight away.
- Cold calls – Be wary of anyone asking for your banking info or OTP over the phone.
Never give away your private deets
All the while, the pub’s chief advice remains simple: Do not reveal your personal or banking details and OTP to any one unless you’re absolutely sure it’s a genuine PUB representative.
Spotting a phishing text & where to report it
Got an odd message? Don’t panic – jump right to the help line or email. The agency’s 24‑hour contact operates at:
- 1800-2255-782 (call centre)
- [email protected] (email)
Scams on the rise in Singapore
The city‑state is seeing a surge in fraud that extends beyond fake officials. Common plots now include:
- Fake bank messages calling you to pay a mysterious fee.
- Delivery scams that claim your parcel has hit a snag and a “delivery fee” is mandatory.
While the safeguards are in place, remain vigilant. The more cautious you are, the less likely you’ll fall into the clutches of these digital goblins.
