Beware of scammers posing as police officers, or IMDA and AGC officials
Calista Wong for The Straits Times
Be careful if you get a call from someone who claims to be a police officer, or government official from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) or the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).
This is likely to be a government officials impersonation scam.
In a joint statement on Oct 14, the police and IMDA said that there has been an uptick in the number of such scam cases.
In this scam variant, victims would receive unsolicited calls - sometimes video calls through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp - from individuals posing as police officers or government officials.
Victims would be informed that their personal information - such as their name and mobile number - has been used for criminal activities, and that they are required to report to IMDA's office to assist with investigations.
Victims have reported receiving calls from scammers clad in a police uniform claiming to be an officer, or impersonating a deputy public prosecutor.
They were also instructed to disclose their personal information, such as their NRIC, or to transfer money to a bank account supposedly designated by the Government.
In some cases, victims were asked to complete a survey that involved the disclosure of their personal information, or were told that their mobile lines would be suspended or blocked.
Victims would realise they have been scammed only when the scammers become uncontactable, or after verifying with IMDA through official channels.
The authorities urge members of the public to remain vigilant against government officials impersonation scams, and to avoid providing any personal details or transferring money.
The authorities said government officers will never ask members of the public to transfer money, disclose banking details, or install mobile apps from unofficial app stores over the phone.
If in doubt, call the ScamShield helpline on 1799 to check.
For more information on scams, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg
