Beware of scammers posing as police officers, officials from IMDA or AGC
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Victims have reported receiving calls from scammers in police uniforms claiming to be officers, or impersonating deputy public prosecutors.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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SINGAPORE – Be careful if you get a call from someone who claims to be a police officer or a government official from the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) or the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
The person is likely to be part of a government official 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 wearing police uniforms claiming to be officers, or impersonating deputy public prosecutors.
The victims were instructed to disclose their personal information such as their NRIC number, 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 had been scammed only when the scammers became uncontactable, or after verifying matters with IMDA through official channels.
The authorities urge members of the public to remain vigilant against government official impersonation scams and to avoid providing any personal details or transferring money to unknown parties.
The authorities said government officers will never ask 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
