Scam alert: Police warn of fake SMS with ‘SPF’ header

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has warned the public to be wary of fake SMSes they receive on their phones that appear as though the message comes from the police but, in fact, have been sent by scammers.

In an advisory issued on Monday (Jan 17), the police said that the SMS would show up with "SPF" in the header.

In one such case, the receiver of the SMS was a victim of a loan scam. He provided his personal particulars and bank account details to apply for a loan and was asked to transfer money for "administrative fees" to facilitate the loan.

While waiting for his loan approval, he received an SMS with "SPF" in the header informing him that he was under investigation for money laundering offences and had to contact the investigation officer listed in the SMS for more information.

The police reminded members of the public to verify the authenticity of such messages by contacting the relevant government agencies through their official hotlines. The public may verify such information through the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 as well.

The police also said that licensed moneylenders:

• are not allowed to solicit for loans via text messages, phone calls or social media platforms
• are required to meet the borrower for identity verification
• will not ask a loan applicant to make any payment before the disbursement of a loan

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