SINGAPORE - The police have warned of a PayPal scam that has led to more than 40 reports being lodged since the start of the year.

Scammers would pose as interested buyers and contact victims who had posted items for sale or units for rent online, police said on Tuesday (June 13).

They then send fictitious e-mails in the name of PayPal or reputable banks to make the victims believe they had made payment.

The next step involves the scammers requesting that the items be shipped overseas and that the victims show proof of shipment before payment can be received.

Some cases saw victims duped into making fictitious administrative payments such as for the activation of PayPal accounts in order for them to receive payment.

Members of the public are advised to adopt the following preventive measures:

- Always log on to your PayPal account to verify that payment has indeed been made before sending the item. Do not trust the e-mail, even if the address from which it originated appears to be legitimate;

- Never download attachments or software programs attached in such e-mails. Clicking on these could harm your computer and leave it susceptible to being hacked;

- Do not give out your personal information, credit/debit card details, bank account details, or e-mail account details;

- Bear in mind that if PayPal really needs your information, it would send you a request to login safely to your account before you provide that information.

Those seeking scam-related advice can call the anti-scam hotline on 1800-722- 6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg.