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Social media mooncake scams in Singapore drain S$325,000 from 27 victims in a month

Over 27 individuals in Singapore have fallen victim to mooncake scams on social media, leading to losses exceeding S$325,000 in a single month.

Scammers employed a malicious Android app, tricking victims into downloading it.

Published

1 year ago

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SINGAPORE: Scams involving mooncake sales on social media platforms have victimized at least 27 individuals, with scammers employing a malicious Android mobile app in their tactics.

As of 5 September, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has reported total losses of at least S$325,000 (equivalent to US$238,740) for the month of August.

In this new variation of scams, victims encountered advertisements on Facebook and Instagram promoting the sale of mooncakes.

Upon reaching out to the supposed “sellers” through social messaging platforms to place their orders for the advertised mooncakes, victims were redirected to WhatsApp for payment.

However, these links led victims to download an Android Package Kit (APK) file, which is an application designed for Android’s operating system and contained malicious software.

In certain instances, victims were instructed to make payments through PayNow or bank transfers to purchase the mooncakes.

The scammers would then claim that the orders needed to be cancelled due to production or staffing issues, and they would guide victims to malicious links for supposed “refunds.”

To obtain these refunds, victims were instructed to download and install an APK file, unwittingly granting scammers remote access to their devices.

This access allowed the scammers to steal passwords and access banking credentials, ultimately resulting in unauthorized transactions from victims’ bank accounts, as reported by the police.

SPF advice regarding e-commerce scams

The police recommended that people take precautions like installing the ScamShield app, turning on extra security for their bank apps, and setting limits on online banking transactions.

“The police would like to remind members of the public of the danger of downloading apps from third-party or dubious sites,” they stated.

Furthermore, law enforcement recommended that individuals ensure their devices are equipped with the latest antivirus and anti-malware software and deactivate the settings that allow the installation of apps from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.

The general public is strongly advised to exclusively obtain and install apps from legitimate app stores, and exercise caution if prompted to download unfamiliar apps for buying products or services on social media platforms.

Individuals who have downloaded and installed an app that raises suspicion or suspect their phone might be compromised by malware should switch their device to “flight mode.”

Subsequently, they should ensure that Wi-Fi is disabled and conduct an antivirus scan.

It is also crucial for potential victims to inspect their bank accounts, Singpass, and CPF records for any unauthorized transactions originating from other devices.

“If there are unauthorized transactions, report to the bank, and relevant authorities, and lodge a police report.”

To access additional details about scams, members of the public can navigate to www.scamalert.sg or contact the anti-scam hotline at 1800-722-6688.

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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.

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2 hours ago

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19 September 2024

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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.

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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

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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.

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