Proper measures to take in facing scams

(Image Source: Singapore Police Force)

As Covid continue to terrorize the public, Singaporeans are forced to transact online and become more vulnerable to scams. In 2020, over S$201 million worth of assets were stolen through online scams, totalling more than 15,700 cases. Cases of scams reported dramatically increased by 65.1% in 2020. (Channel News Asia, 2021)

The rise of technology is directly proportionate with the rise of fraud as the anonymity of scammers can be protected. The most common scams are through SMS text messages or social media and it’s extremely important to always remain aware. Different scam schemes emerge every day and the best way to avoid being victims is to take precautionary measures. Please visit www.scamalert.sg to be updated on the latest scam news.

In the inevitable event of facing scams, the public should follow these steps:

a. Immediately call the anti-scam hotline of the Singapore Police (1800-722-6688)

- Do not hesitate to call the anti-scam hotline 1800-722-6688 in moments of doubt. The hotline advises victims on which further steps to take depending on the type of scam.

b. Contact banks/financial institutions involved

- Connect with the bank you used to transact with to cancel the transfer and report the fraud account right away.

c. Gather evidence for the report

- Collect all the evidence available to strengthen your case to ensure that your complaint is valid and in line with your report.

d. File a report

- Visit the website https://www.police.gov.sg/ to write a detailed report on what had occurred. It is important to lay all the evidence obtained so the police could take the necessary steps required. This will also help hasten the process for banks to issue your case. (note: there is no guarantee that scammers will be caught or any compensation will be provided depending on the case)

- Report physically to the company/organization being impersonated. This notifies the organization and helps them to improve their security and support.

e. Spreading Awareness

- Reporting to the police helps spread awareness from such scammers. This contributes information for police to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

These are the most optimal process to report a scam and recover the assets stolen. But ultimately, the motive is to avoid being scammed and keeping our community safe. By staying vigilant and reporting scams, we help our community remain safe and beat scammers through our awareness.