Falling victim to a phishing scam can be distressing, but acting quickly can help minimize the damage.
Update all affected accounts immediately with strong passwords
Call your bank's fraud hotline to freeze accounts if necessary
File a police report and notify relevant authorities
Accidentally click on a phishing link and enter your details? You're not alone. Millions of people around the world fall for such phishing tactics. However, it is important to know what to do next to prevent any further loss or identity theft.
If you have accidentally provided personal information—such as your banking details, one-time passwords (OTPs), or personal identification numbers—to a phishing scam in Singapore, here's what you should do immediately.
Phishing scams involve online scammers tricking people into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, usernames and/or banking credentials through fraudulent emails, text messages, or phone calls. These scams are often disguised as legitimate communications from official channels like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies in Singapore.
Phishing can take various forms, including:
Scammers may use your personal information to impersonate you. They may apply for loans, credit cards or commit fraud. This leads to legal trouble and financial damage.
After tricking victims into entering their banking credentials or one-time passwords (OTPs), scammers steal money directly from their accounts. Some fraudsters even sign up the victims into fake subscriptions, leading to continuous financial damage.
Scammers may sell your stolen identity on the dark web. These can lead to more problems with spam calls, identity theft, and other cyber threats. Larger-scale companies may also face legal issues from data breaches.
It is important to act fast to limit the loss of money.
Always check the sender's email address.
This app helps block scam calls and messages.
OTPs and security questions add extra layers of protection.
Follow government agencies like SPF, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), and MAS for the latest scam alerts.
Read through our available articles on phishing scams and other types of scams to educate yourself.
Phishing scams in Singapore are becoming increasingly sophisticated and thus difficult to differentiate. However, by staying alert and taking swift action, you can protect yourself and minimise risks of falling victims to phishing scams.
If you suspect you've fallen for a scam, act immediately, report the incident, and strengthen your cybersecurity measures. Staying informed is your best defence against online fraud.
Follow Singapore Police Force, ScamShield, MAS alerts and Scam.sg for updates on new scam trends.
Knowledge is your best defense. Share this guide with friends and family to help them stay safe online.