31 People Involved in Chinese Officials Impersonation Scam Investigated; Victims Lose more than S$6.9 Million

Scams are more prevalent than ever, with tactics getting increasingly outlandish and brazen in nature.

Nowadays, it’s not just local gimmicks that get you. Even foreign matters may prove to be substantial bait.

Cases in point? The recent case of foreign ‘friends’, as well as the following article:

31 People Involved in Chinese Officials Impersonation Scam Investigated; Victims Lose more than S$6.9 Million

According to various news reports, a staggering 31 people are currently under police investigations over their involvement in a widespread scam, that has since claimed over S$6.9 million.

Three of them reportedly acted as middlemen between scammers and the victims, while the other 28 were alleged to have been money mules.

According to The New Paper, victims would receive phone calls that either hail from banks or the police force in China.

Scammers would then set out to impersonate Chinese officials, informing victims that their card details had been used for deceptive transactions. Either that, or their bank accounts had been caught up in some illegal money-laundering operation.

The victims were then instructed to pay up for supposed ‘investigations’. Naturally, the cash, or banking details in some cases, did not actually go into the pockets of authorised personnel but instead designated money mules, via accounts set up by masterminding scammers.

With a touted loss of some S$6,920,000 in total, transferred amounts are said to have ranged between S$5,000 to S$824,500.

Suspects

Three of the suspects, a 19-year-old woman and two men aged 22 and 62, were apprehended between March 22 and April 12.

They were said to have acted on the instructions of scammers, supplying a ‘middle point’ wherever necessary.

While collecting cash from victims, they reportedly displayed “China International Police” passes to ‘prove’ their authenticity.

Sometimes, they may even break out ‘official investigation documents’ to further ramp up the ploy.

Meanwhile, the other 28 are suspected to be money mules.

Conviction

For cheating, offenders could face an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.

For cheating by impersonation, perpetrators could face an imprisonment term of up to 5 years and/or a fine.

According to the news report, the government has also since reiterated that “no government agency would request, over the phone, personal details, bank account log-in credentials or the transfer of money”.

Phone numbers may also be faked using ID spoofing technology, so vigilance is advised.

Other Instances

Some time ago, Netizens reported receiving suspicious messages from attractive women claiming to be their friend.

And by attractive, we mean really attractive. The catfishing type, so to speak.

The messages, as shown above, begin with “Hi, I haven’t heard from you for a long time.”

These ladies claim to be from Hong Kong, saying they had to return to their home country to visit their parents.

While the “woman” does not explicitly ask for anything right off the bat, they ask about the COVID-19 situation in Singapore and leave their numbers so you can “keep in touch” with them.

The police have since spoken out against them, explaining: “the sender (usually with ‘+62’ prefix) would claim to have changed her mobile phone number and expresses concern over the well-being of the recipient amidst the current COVID-19 situation.

“The recipients would later be instructed to reply to a different WhatsApp number (usually with ‘+852’ prefix) to continue the conversation.”

If you encounter something that’s either too good, too bad or too questionable to be true, you can call the anti-scam helpline on 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg for advice.

Alternatively, those with info can dial the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit relevant information at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

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