Connect with us

Crime

Singapore Ministry of Manpower reveals crafty scam tactic: Impersonation of officials in video calls

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has uncovered a troubling fraud tactic where scammers, wearing masks and wielding fake MOM cards, posed as ministry officials during video calls, soliciting personal information.

MOM urges vigilance and immediate police reports for affected individuals. Visit their website for scam identification and reporting tips.

Published

1 year ago

on

SINGAPORE: In a relentless display of scamming innovation, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has exposed a disturbing new tactic employed by fraudster.

MOM has taken to Facebook to reveal a troubling incident where scammers impersonated ministry officers during a video call, similar to previous incidents where they mimicked officers from the Singapore Police Force.

“Recently, we were alerted to a scam video call,” they said.

“The person in the call wore a mask, held a fake MOM card, and asked for the receiver’s personal identification,” they added, explaining the scammers’ tactic.

A photograph of an alleged scammer was shared, depicting a man sporting both a hat and a mask, concealing a significant portion of his face.

Interestingly, the image on the man’s MOM card also features him wearing both a hat and a mask.

Moreover, the backdrop prominently displayed the name and logo of MOM, possibly in an attempt to further persuade their target of their supposed authenticity.

MOM urged individuals to promptly file a police report if they encounter such calls.

 

Ways of identifying scams

On their official website, MOM had listed some of the best practices and tips on how to identify and report fake “MOM” websites, phone and email scams.

Scams could be in the form of unexpected phone calls or emails claiming to be from MOM, and they may also ask for money, sensitive or confidential personal information.

Therefore, be wary when receiving phone calls from:

  • An overseas number. MOM does not make calls from overseas.
  • Instant Messaging apps. The profile photo of such fake accounts may show a picture of the Ministry of Manpower’s logo or MOM officer.
  • A spoofed ‘+’ number, even if it’s ‘+65’ it does not mean it’s from Singapore.

Additionally, understanding how to identify these signs can also aid to prevent being a victim:

  • The caller or sender is unable to identify themselves properly.
  • You are not expecting an SMS, call or email from MOM.
  • You are not aware of the transaction or interaction which is being referenced during the correspondence or conversation.

For more tips on how to identify and report fake websites, phone calls and emails: www.mom.gov.sg/transact-safely-and-securely

 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Crime

Singaporean fugitive deported from Thailand, to be charged with drug trafficking

A Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand, was deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024 and faces drug trafficking charges. Authorities expect him to face the death penalty under Singapore’s tough drug laws for running a smuggling operation between Thailand, Australia, and Singapore.

Published

2 hours ago

on

19 September 2024

By

A 31-year-old Singaporean man, wanted for drug trafficking offences, was arrested in Thailand and deported to Singapore on 19 September 2024.

The fugitive, identified as Benny Kee Soon Chuan, was apprehended by Thai police at his residence near Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and will face charges in court on 20 September.

Kee, described as a high-level trafficker, ran a smuggling operation that trafficked crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and Ecstasy to Australia and Singapore using Thailand as a transit hub, according to Pol Lt Gen Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).

Cross-Border Investigation and Arrest

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore had issued an arrest warrant for Kee following investigations into two drug trafficking cases in December 2020 and November 2022.

He had been on the run since 11 April 2016, prompting CNB to collaborate with its international counterparts, including the ONCB. Thai authorities were tipped off by CNB on 12 August 2024, and after weeks of investigation, Kee was apprehended on 17 September.

Thai immigration officials revealed that Kee had entered Thailand earlier in 2024 using a Vanuatu passport.

Following his arrest, Kee’s Thai visa was cancelled, and assets worth 15 million baht (S$585,000), including luxury watches, gold pieces, and a luxury car, were seized during a raid on his residence in Samut Prakan.

Lt Gen Panurat confirmed that the fugitive had been living an affluent lifestyle in Thailand despite lacking legitimate employment.

Links to Broader Drug Network

Kee is believed to be linked to other Singaporean traffickers involved in the smuggling of drugs from Thailand.

In March 2021, Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (AITF) intercepted packages containing Ecstasy and ketamine destined for Singapore, as well as crystal methamphetamine bound for Australia.

Two other Singaporean men, aged 21 and 29 at the time of their arrests, were later sentenced to imprisonment and caning in Singapore for their involvement in these operations, which were connected to Kee’s trafficking network.

Death Penalty Under Singaporean Law

Kee’s deportation to Singapore brings him under the jurisdiction of Singapore’s severe drug laws, which prescribe the death penalty for those convicted of trafficking substantial amounts of controlled substances.

Singaporean authorities have indicated that he could face the death penalty under the country’s strict drug trafficking laws. Pol Lt Gen Panurat indicated that Singaporean authorities are expected to seek the maximum penalty for Kee’s alleged offences.

Continue Reading

Crime

Islamic firm CEO among 19 arrested in Malaysia’s charity home abuse scandal

The CEO of Islamic firm Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) and his wife were among 19 arrested by Malaysian authorities on Thursday for alleged child abuse linked to their charity homes. Last week, police rescued 402 children from these homes. Investigations revealed a horrifying network of abuse, with at least 13 children allegedly sodomised or taught to sexually assault others.

Published

6 hours ago

on

19 September 2024

By

MALAYSIA: In a major crackdown, Malaysian police have arrested several members of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) top management, including CEO Nasiruddin Ali and his wife.

The arrests were made in a special operation conducted by Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department at multiple locations.

As of 19 September, total of 19 people were detained, including the CEO’s two children and the child of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad.

Among those arrested are 12 men and seven women, aged between 30 and 65.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed the arrests and promised to provide updates soon.

The arrests come on the heels of a significant child sexual abuse scandal involving GISBH.

Last week, police rescued 402 children from 20 welfare homes linked to the organization in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

They also arrested 171 people, including an ustaz and a hostel warden.

The case sent shockwaves throughout the country as investigations revealed a horrifying network of child abuse.

At least 13 of the rescued children were allegedly sodomized or taught to sexually assault others.

GISBH initially denied operating the welfare homes and rejected the allegations of abuse.

However, Nasiruddin later admitted that cases of sodomy had occurred within the organization in the past, while denying any deviant teachings.

In a related development, three men linked to GISBH pleaded not guilty in a Seremban court to charges of sexually assaulting boys aged between nine and 11 at a religious school associated with the organisation.

The alleged assaults took place between 2022 and 2023 in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

Additionally, another man was charged in Putrajaya for allegedly threatening a woman to withdraw a police report against GISBH.

Continue Reading

Trending