Police warn shoppers about parcel delivery phishing scams after 130 victims lose S$182,000 in first 2 weeks of December

SINGAPORE — The police are warning shoppers about the rise of parcel delivery phishing scams after about 130 victims lost at least S$182,000 so far this month.

In an advisory on Thursday (Dec 15), the police said that victims would receive emails or phone text messages informing them that their parcels were awaiting delivery, or that they had outstanding bills due for payment.

These messages would come with a link for victims to view information regarding their parcel delivery.

However, the link, when clicked, would redirect victims to a fraudulent website that would request their credit or debit card details and a one-time password (OTP).

"Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions made to their credit or debit cards," the police said.

The police reminded members of the public to take the following crime prevention measures:

• Do not click on links provided in unsolicited emails or text messages
• Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources, even if you are expecting the delivery of a parcel
• Always check the transaction details before approving any transactions
• Never disclose your personal or internet banking details and OTP to anyone
• Report any fraudulent credit or debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card immediately

Members of the public with information related to such crimes may call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit feedback online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

The police added that the public may visit www.scamalert.sg or call the anti-scam hotline at 1800-722-6688 for more information on scams.