In recent weeks, Singapore has seen an alarming rise in scams targeting motorists and WhatsApp users alike, prompting police warnings to stay vigilant.
SMS Toll Payment Scam
Motorists heading to Malaysia should beware of unsolicited SMS messages claiming to be from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) regarding outstanding toll payments. These messages urge recipients to click on links that lead to fraudulent payment websites.
- Victims reported losing over $8,000 collectively after providing personal details.
- The police confirmed that PDRM will not request payments via SMS, as tolls are managed through the Touch ‘n Go system.
To check for any outstanding toll payments, motorists are advised to use the official Touch ‘n Go application or visit www.touchngo.com.my.
WhatsApp Voting Scam
Meanwhile, WhatsApp users are facing a different threat. Reports of scammers sending messages that ask recipients to vote for a “friend’s” child in a dance competition have surfaced recently.
- These messages contain links that, when clicked, compromise users’ accounts by requesting their mobile numbers for a One-Time Password (OTP).
- While no financial losses have been reported yet, the potential exists for further issues as scammers could misuse the compromised accounts.
To protect yourself, the police recommend avoiding scanning QR codes from suspicious sites and enabling two-step verification in WhatsApp settings.
Stay Alert and Report
The police encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity immediately. Use the ScamShield app to block scam-related calls and messages, and reach out to the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799 for assistance.
Always remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry—don’t click on questionable links!