At least $17.4m lost to scammers impersonating WeChat, UnionPay, and Alipay staff since January

SINGAPORE – People should be wary of scammers impersonating staff of Chinese messaging and payment platforms, said the authorities, after at least $17.4 million was lost to such scams since January.

In a joint statement on April 4, the police and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said at least 678 cases have been reported this year.

The scam would see victims receiving unsolicited calls from local numbers starting with “8” and “+65” made by people posing as WeChat, UnionPay or Alipay employees, said the authorities.

Victims would typically be told they had an existing subscription that was about to expire and would be prompted to continue the conversation on WhatsApp.

They would be told that fees will be automatically deducted from their bank accounts linked to the platforms unless they cancel their fake subscriptions.

Victims would be asked to verify their bank accounts by transferring money to a specified bank account, said the authorities, who added that the scammers would reassure them that the money would be refunded after the subscription was cancelled.

In a bid to strengthen credibility or pressure victims further, the scammers sometimes sent fake documents of the subscription with the victims’ personal information on them, or directed them to a second scammer posing as an MAS officer.

The fake officer would tell victims that their bank accounts had been used for money laundering purposes and prompt them to transfer money to a specific bank account to assist in fake investigations.

Victims might receive a video call from the scammer dressed in a blue uniform attempting to impersonate an MAS official.

They might also receive fake documents of a court order or an arrest warrant from MAS that has the victims’ details.

The ruse would come to light after the scammers become uncontactable or when victims do not receive a refund.

Members of the public should take note that a “+” prefix means that a call comes from an overseas location, said the authorities.

They said MAS officers do not wear uniforms and do not have the power to issue warrants of arrest.

“If you see a uniformed ‘MAS officer’ over WhatsApp who threatens to arrest you, the officer is likely a scammer and should be ignored,” said the authorities.

Government officials will never ask people to transfer money, disclose banking details, or install mobile apps from unofficial app stores, they added.

Officials would also never transfer a call directly to the police, unless you call 995 for life-threatening emergencies.