Fake Alipay reps tricked 51 people into transferring $374k, assured them it would be refunded
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant against scams in which callers impersonate customer service staff from Chinese messaging and payment platforms such as Alipay.
Since September, at least 51 victims have fallen prey to such scams, with losses totalling at least $374,000, said the police and Alipay in a joint advisory on Oct 22.
Victims would receive unsolicited calls from scammers pretending to be Alipay representatives, informing them that money would be auto-deducted from their accounts for a subscription or service unless they cancelled it.
Victims were then redirected to other scammers pretending to be bank officers or payment service providers, who claimed they could help with the cancellation.
They would be instructed to verify their identities by transferring money to bank accounts or via QR codes linked to YouTrip and/or Alipay. Some victims were even guided, via WhatsApp screen-sharing, to increase their bank transfer limits, believing the transfers were just a verification step.
"The victims were assured that the transaction would not go through or that the money would be refunded," said the advisory.
The victims only realised something was amiss when the 'refunds' never came or when they contacted the police for verification.
The police reminded the public to never share personal details or share their device screens while performing banking transactions. Alipay also emphasised that it does not make unsolicited calls asking for payment or personal information.
Members of the public are advised to use official channels such as the Alipay App help centre for account queries and to install the ScamShield app as part of the ACT Against Scams approach:
- Add the ScamShield App to block calls and filter SMSes. Set transaction limits that are adequate for daily expenses, and lower transaction notification thresholds. Alert the bank immediately of any suspicious activity in your bank account. Activate the Money Lock feature of your bank to "lock up" a portion of your money so that it cannot be transferred out digitally by anyone.
- Check for scam signs with official sources such as the ScamShield App. Call and check with the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799
- Tell the authorities, family and friends if you encounter scams. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, call your bank immediately to block any fraudulent transactions and make a police report.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg
