If you received a call from the Criminal Investigation Department over the weekend, do not be alarmed. I’m pretty sure it’s just a pep call to prepare you for life behind bars.

…

Alright, I’m just kidding. It’s nothing but a big fat lie. Or as they put it, a scam.

But I’m sure you want to read more about this whole saga because deep down you’re actually feeling kind of guilty about something you did over the weekend.

So without further ado, here are 8 Facts About The Latest Police Impersonation Hotline Scam in case you’re ever brought in for illegally petting the neighbourhood stray cat.

1. The police have issued an advisory

On Wednesday (9 May), the police issued an advisory to the public, warning of a scam that apparently engages the use of a police hotline number.

According to Channel News Asia, police have stated that people were receiving calls that appear to stem from the Criminal Investigation Department’s hotline number 6435 0000.

But these calls, they stated, are fake.

“The police would like to clarify that these calls were not made by officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF),” said the advisory.

2. Bilingual

Apparently, the calls were conducted in both English and Mandarin via an automated operator system.

If you think about it though, the whole thing would have naturally broken down had Malay and Indian been added to the mix. Why? Because it would be using all 4 languages. And using all 4 languages equates it to SMRT.

3. Scamming tactics

The Police has said that such calls normally involve “typical scammers’ tactics”, where caller ID spoofing technology can be utilised to hide the caller’s real phone number.

As a result, a different number is displayed, making the whole concept not just believable, but particularly convincing to those who’ve no idea that phone numbers can be masked.

And yeah, I’m looking at you, non-tech savvy people. Although admittedly, I’m no different.

4. Public Advisory

According to the men in blue, members of the public should “ignore such calls and the caller’s instructions”.

Also, they should “not provide personal information such as credit card details, identification numbers and banking information”.

So… pick up the phone, hang up and get right back to whatever you were doing? Alright, sounds great to me.

5. A friendly reminder to members of the public

The police have expressed that government agencies WILL NEVER ask for personal details or the transfer of money, either over the phone or via automated voice machines.

So if Andy Lau of the Infernal Affairs Department (IAD) comes asking over the phone for some pocket change to eat a packet of Chong Pang Nasi Lemak, do not give it to him. 

I hate to break it to you, but it’s probably a scam.

And oh, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, here, take a look at this video we’ve done with the SPF:

(Since you’re here, subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more informative videos lah)

6. You can help

Should you have any related information pertaining to the matter, you can call the police hotline at 1800-255 0000 or submit information online via www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. And please take note that you should call 999 ONLY if urgent police assistance is required.

So no running to the cops if the durian you bought is tasteless, alright?

7. Public outcry

It seems that certain members of the public have already fallen victim to the scam, although by the looks of it, they have yet to start remitting money to Andy Laus or Tony Leungs.

And some echoed the reality of it all.

8. This isn’t the first time

Just recently on Tuesday (8 May), a Taiwanese man was arrested on suspicion for participating in a China officials impersonation scam. The scammer managed to coerce S$14,600 out of the victim.

And last month, the police had issued an equivalent warning about phone scams by callers imitating government officials.

So folks, don’t start panicking just yet if the C.I.D. call you for a simple talk.

Unless you really violated the neighbourhood cat’s decency, you’ve absolutely nothing to worry about.

Just remember what Li Nanxing always said…

Don’t Panic. Don’t Believe. Don’t Give.

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