$62,000 lost to scammers using fake Singtel e-mails

Scammers using fake e-mails purportedly from Singtel netted at least $62,000 earlier this week.

Victims of the phishing fraudsters received e-mails claiming to be from the telco, saying they had won a cash prize or were eligible to claim cashback or a gift.

People who clicked on the URL link were directed to a fake Singtel webpage which asked for their bank information and one-time passwords (OTPs) in order to claim the prize, cashback or gift.

At least 22 police reports had been lodged on Monday and Tuesday. The victims realised they had been scammed only after they spotted unauthorised transactions on their bank accounts.

These are three of the URLs impersonating Singtel's website:

• http://sgsingtel.net/ sin/cc1.php

• https://sgsingtel.net/ cgi-sys/suspendedpage.cgi

• https://sgsingtel.net/sing

The police said scams like this involving companies other than banks have been on the rise.

"The number of non-banking related phishing scams increased by 1,214 per cent to 644 in 2020, from 49 in 2019. The total amount cheated increased to at least $981,000 in 2020, from at least $72,000 in 2019," they said.

There are tried and true safeguards against such scams:

1 Be wary of URL links provided in unsolicited advertisements and text messages, especially those related to deals that seem too good to be true.

2 Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources.

3 Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone.

4 Report any fraudulent transaction involving your e-payment accounts to the e-payment service provider immediately.

• Anyone with information related to these scams can call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or go to www.police.gov.sg/iwitness

• Go to www.scamalert.sg for more information on scams or call the anti-scam hotline on 1800-722-6688.