Singapore police reported that at least 97 cases of phishing scams involving fake EZ-Link or SimplyGo advertisements have been documented since 1 March 2025, with victims losing at least S$156,000.
The police issued a warning on 28 March 2025 about these fraudulent schemes circulating on social media platforms.
How the Scam Works
Victims encounter advertisements on Facebook and Instagram impersonating EZ-Link or SimplyGo, offering enticing promotions such as “unlimited travel” for just S$3.
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When users click on these deceptive links, they are redirected to phishing websites displaying EZ-Link or SimplyGo logos. These fake sites prompt victims to enter their credit or debit card details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to purchase the advertised EZ-Link cards.
In some instances, victims are first directed to participate in online games or questionnaires supposedly to qualify for the promotion.
After winning a “gift box” with a “free EZ-Link” card, they are asked to provide their card details to pay for the S$3 unlimited travel promotion.
“Victims would only realise that they had been scammed when they discovered unauthorised transactions in their bank accounts. In some cases, the transactions were also made in foreign currencies,” the police stated.
History of the Scam
This isn’t the first time such scams have targeted Singaporeans. In November 2024, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) warned about similar phishing attempts involving the sale of S$9 EZ-link cards falsely advertised with a year’s worth of free public transport rides.
At that time, the scam also involved fake giveaways asking people to complete questionnaires to claim free EZ-link cards.
Between 1 October and 19 November 2024, at least 17 cases were reported, with total losses amounting to at least S$19,000.
Official Channels and Warnings
The police emphasised that all legitimate promotions for EZ-Link cards are conducted only on SimplyGo’s website and the official social media pages of SimplyGo and EZ-Link.
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“SimplyGo does not offer ‘S$3 for unlimited travel’ deals,” the police clarified.
The authorities advise those seeking official information on purchasing EZ-Link cards to visit SimplyGo’s website directly.
Rising Scam Trends
The EZ-Link phishing scams contribute to a troubling trend in Singapore. In February, police reported that at least S$1.1 billion was lost to various scams in 2024, marking a 70.6 per cent increase from the S$651.8 million lost in 2023.
The total number of scam cases also rose by 10.6 per cent to 51,501 cases in 2024, compared to 46,563 in 2023.
Precautionary Measures
Authorities recommend several precautions to avoid falling victim to such scams:
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Avoid clicking on dubious URL links in social media advertisements
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Never disclose bank details or OTPs to unknown parties
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Verify the authenticity of promotions through official websites
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Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true
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Report suspicious activities to the police immediately
For more information on scams, you can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
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