Beware: DBS & POSB Phishy Messages are Back in Town!
Last week, the Singapore Police & DBS Bank teamed up to shout out a fresh wave of sneaky SMS‑phishing scams that pretend to be from your favourite banks. If you got a text that says your account’s on fire or you’ve got an unpaid bill, trust us—no, you’re not getting a superhero offer!
What’s the Scam Story?
The trick? A spammer sends you a message that looks like a legit DBS or POSB alert, complete with an “urgent” tone. They ask you to click a link that looks like your bank’s website but is actually a fake domain (think posb.validation-details.info, dbs.account-access.info, posb.account-certification.in). Once you click, a new payee pops up on your account and – boom – unauthorized transactions start running.
In Numbers (Because Why Not):
- Over 50 incidents reported to the police since Sept 20.
- The scammers rig the page to make you think you’re approving something legitimate.
- Victims are then asked to share PINs, OTPs, usernames, the whole shebang.
Two New Variants of the Scam
- Job‑posting Phish – It starts on sites like Gumtree, offering “surveyor” or “bar staff” gigs. When you send an email to [email protected], the reply from [email protected] says you’re all set. They then ask for your personal info to “deposit” money you supposedly earned into Bitcoin ATMs. The catch? That money is stolen from other victims’ accounts. Classic money‑mule setup.
- Gaming‑Buddy Scam – They befriend you on gaming platforms, then pitch a Bitcoin deal. You’re convinced you’ll get a commission. They need your account details, you withdraw the “bonus”, and it ends up being stolen from yet another phishing victim. The same money‑mule vibe as the job variant.
What to Do if You’re Targeted
- Check the links – If it’s not “dbs.com.sg” or “posb.com.sg” typed directly, skip it.
- Never share banking secrets – Even if it’s a “trusted” email or your bank’s hotline. Breach them, and you’re done.
- Report suspicious transactions – Call your bank’s official number (not the one on the SMS). The police hotline is
1800‑722‑6688. - Stop using that mysterious bank account for anything you’re not sure about.
- Don’t let a “crypto‑friend” ask you to move money without doing your homework.
Legal Trouble If You’re Affected
If you unknowingly become a money‑mule by laundering stolen funds, you could face up to 10 years in jail or a fine of $500,000 (or both). That’s why you should act fast.
Quick Tips to Stay Safe
- Always verify a bank’s message against its official site or app.
- Ignore any unsolicited SMS or email that asks for money.
- If you see a weird deposit, report it immediately – no matter if the money has already left your account or not.
- Call DBS: 1800‑111‑1111 (Personal) or 1800‑222‑2200 (Business).
Remember, phishing isn’t a one‑off; it’s a long‑running prank. Stay sharp, keep your personal data tight, and don’t let scammers turn your bank into an unintentional Bitcoin ATM.
Stay safe, keep your eye on those texts, and if anything feels fishy… just say “no” and get a proper call from your bank.
