Singapore has witnessed a significant phishing scam targeting users of “WhatsApp Web.” Since the beginning of November this year, at least 237 individuals have fallen victim to this scam, resulting in a total loss of $606,000. The Straits Times, citing a police statement, reported the extent of the scam’s impact.
Modus Operandi of Scammers
The scammers executed their scheme by tricking users into clicking on unverified URLs that mimic the official WhatsApp Web page. Once they gained control of the compromised WhatsApp accounts, they posed as the original account owners. The scammers then contacted family and friends of the account owners, soliciting loans under various urgent pretexts. These pretexts ranged from personal purchases to assisting a distressed friend or relative or covering medical emergencies. Often, the scammers claimed that their bank accounts were restricted, and in some cases, they asked for screenshots of the transfer, intending to request additional funds later.
Police Advisory and Preventive Measures
In light of these incidents, the Singapore Police Force has issued advisories to the public. Many victims realized they had been scammed only after speaking with their contacts, who reported not receiving any funds. To prevent such incidents, the police have advised enabling WhatsApp’s two-step verification feature, ensuring the use of the official WhatsApp Web site, and being cautious of unusual requests on the messaging platform. The public is also advised against sharing WhatsApp account verification codes, regularly checking linked devices on WhatsApp, and staying informed about potential scams by visiting www.scamalert.sg or contacting the Anti-Scam Helpline.
This recent phishing scam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and vigilance in the digital age, particularly when using widely-used platforms like WhatsApp.
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