Impersonation Scam
Impersonation scams involve fraudsters pretending to be government officials, bank representatives, or trusted individuals to extract money or sensitive information from victims.
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Impersonation scams are among the most prevalent types in Singapore. Criminals pose as police officers, government agencies, bank staff, or even friends to create fear or urgency. By exploiting trust in authority, they manipulate victims into transferring money or providing sensitive personal information before the deception is discovered.
How Impersonation Scams Are Carried Out
1. Government Agency Impersonation
Scammers impersonate officers from MOM, ICA, SPF, or CPF, falsely claiming the victim is under investigation and demanding payment or sensitive information to avoid legal consequences.
2. Bank Staff Impersonation
Fraudsters pose as bank representatives claiming suspicious account activity. They request OTPs, account credentials, or instruct victims to transfer funds to so-called safe accounts.
3. Friend or Family Impersonation
Scammers impersonate a friend or family member in distress, claiming to be in legal trouble or needing urgent financial help, pressuring victims to send money quickly.
4. Tech Support Impersonation
Criminals pose as technical support from reputable companies, claiming the victim's device is compromised, gaining remote access or requesting payment for fake services.
What to Look Out For
How to Protect Yourself from Impersonation Scams
Verify Before You Act
Always independently verify the identity of any caller claiming to be from a government agency or bank using official contact details from their verified website.
Never Transfer Money Under Pressure
No legitimate authority demands immediate wire transfers to avoid arrest. Hang up and consult a trusted person before taking any action whatsoever.
Use ScamShield and Report
Download the ScamShield app to filter scam calls. Report impersonation attempts to SPF at 1800-255-0000 or the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688.
Report a Impersonation Scam
If you have been targeted by an impersonation scam, report it immediately to the Singapore Police Force.
Impersonation Scam: Your Questions Answered
Impersonation Scam in Singapore: Your Questions Answered
Scammers pose as officers from SPF, ICA, or other agencies, claiming you're under investigation or that your account is frozen. They'll pressure you into revealing personal info or sending money.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Impersonation scams exploit trust in authority. Always verify identity independently before acting on any instruction.