SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Friday (June 17) warned the public of a scam involving bogus phone calls by a person claiming to be a ministry or government officer.
In a public advisory posted on its website and Facebook page, the ministry said the scammer would ask his victims to transfer money to an account to "resolve issues related to their stay in Singapore or work pass application".
The phone number displayed on the receiver's phone would also display the MOM Contact Centre's hotline - 6438-5122.
"This is a scam. Our officers will not make such calls to request for fund transfers," the advisory said.
"We have advised the affected individuals to lodge police reports."
MOM said it was taking such incidents seriously as they undermine the public's trust in the ministry.
It urged those with information about such incidents to call the Police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or dial 999 for urgent assistance.
Members of the public who receive such calls should:
- Be vigilant. MOM will not ask you to make a payment through a telephone call, especially to a third party's bank account. In such situations, you should ignore the call;
- Do not transfer any money to the caller, either via remittance agencies, banks or any other means;
- Do not provide personal information like name, identification number, passport, bank account or credit card details.
