SkillsFuture Singapore warns public against scammers

Visitors at a SkillsFuture roadshow at One Raffles Place on Feb 22, 2016. SkillsFuture Singapore is warning members of the public of a scam involving SkillsFuture Credit. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) said on Thursday (Feb 8) that it is aware of scammers who have been going door-to-door asking Singaporeans to sign up for courses using their SkillsFuture Credit.

These individuals claim that the credit will expire and tell residents that they will not be eligible for subsequent top-ups.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, SSG said that these claims are false.

The agency clarified that there is no expiry date for the SkillsFuture Credit and the credit can be used for any course in the training exchange in myskillsfuture.sg

In addition, all training providers have to follow strict marketing guidelines.

For instance, they are not allowed to use gimmicks, such as lucky draws and freebies, to promote their programmes, or misleading marketing techniques.

"SSG takes this very seriously and will not hesitate to act against those who contravene our guidelines and terms on the use of SkillsFuture Credit," the post said.

The SkillsFuture initiative was previously hit by a series of false claims scams.

Last December, it was reported that SSG was cheated of nearly $40 million - the biggest case of a government agency being defrauded here.

Those who have feedback on suspicious SkillsFuture-related practices can contact SSG on 6785 5785 or at ssg.gov.sg/feedback.

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