Online platform users lose over $236,000 to scammers selling gold at low prices
The police are advising members of the public to vigilante against a recent surge in e-commerce scams involving the sale of gold.
Since Sept 1, at least 26 cases have been reported with total losses amounting to over $236,000.
The victims would come across advertisements or live-streams on platforms such as Shopee, Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram, promoting the sale of gold at low prices.
In some live-streams, scammers would masquerade as customers to assure viewers that the advertisement is legitimate.
In some cases, the scammers claimed they were helping people in Myanmar sell their gold through these platforms.
After making payment, the scammers would then demand more money from victims on the pretext of delivery fees.
Victims would only realise they had been scammed when they did not receive the gold they had bought.
Members of the public are encouraged to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- ADD – Add the ScamShield app and set security features (e.g. enable International Call Blocking options on mobile devices, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multifactor Authentication for online accounts, Money Lock your bank accounts to further secure a portion of your savings). Set transaction limits to your payment accounts (e.g. bank accounts, PayNow, PayLah).
- CHECK – Check for scam signs with official sources (e.g. call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799, use the ScamShield app or visit www.scamshield.gov.sg), or with someone you trust. You can also check the e-Commerce platforms’ transaction safety ratings at go.gov.sg/mhatsr. Look out for common signs of e-commerce scams which includes offers at an attractive price for a limited time, and consistent asks for payment of additional customs or delivery fees after payment for the item. Pay only using secure payment options offered by the platform and never disclose your personal information, internet banking or One-Time passwords to anyone.
- TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the fraudulent advertisements or listings to the respective platforms.
ADD – Add the ScamShield app and set security features (e.g. enable International Call Blocking options on mobile devices, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multifactor Authentication for online accounts, Money Lock your bank accounts to further secure a portion of your savings). Set transaction limits to your payment accounts (e.g. bank accounts, PayNow, PayLah).
CHECK – Check for scam signs with official sources (e.g. call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799, use the ScamShield app or visit www.scamshield.gov.sg), or with someone you trust. You can also check the e-Commerce platforms’ transaction safety ratings at go.gov.sg/mhatsr. Look out for common signs of e-commerce scams which includes offers at an attractive price for a limited time, and consistent asks for payment of additional customs or delivery fees after payment for the item. Pay only using secure payment options offered by the platform and never disclose your personal information, internet banking or One-Time passwords to anyone.
TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report the fraudulent advertisements or listings to the respective platforms.
If you have any information relating to such crimes, call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit a report online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.
All information will be kept strictly confidential.
If you require urgent police assistance, dial ‘999’.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
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