- Police warn of new Fake Police scam using Google Meet video call.
- Scammers impersonate police officers to steal personal information.
- At least S$2,000 lost in five reported cases since 14 April 2025.
Singapore Police Force alerts public to a new scam using Google Meet video calls and fake police uniforms to trick victims into revealing sensitive information.
Current Date and Advisory Overview
On 29 April 2025, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) issued an urgent advisory about a new type of phishing scam.
This scam involves criminals impersonating SPF officers to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims.
The police have observed a troubling trend where scammers are using Google Meet video calls to appear more credible.
Fake Police Scam Details and Methods
According to SPF, the scammers employ several tactics to deceive their targets:
- Using Google Meet for video calls
- Wearing fake police uniforms
- Claiming issues with victims’ bank accounts
- Alleging victims are under investigation
- Requesting personal information and banking credentials
- Asking for One-Time Passwords (OTPs)
These methods are designed to create a sense of urgency and authority, pressuring victims into compliance.
Victim Impact and Financial Losses
The impact of these scams has been significant, with at least five reported cases since 14 April 2025.
Financial losses from these incidents have amounted to at least S$2,000.
Victims typically discover they’ve been scammed when they notice unauthorised transactions in their bank accounts.
These transactions are often made to Grab or GrabPay Wallet accounts.
After completing the scam, the perpetrators become uncontactable, leaving victims with little recourse.
Precautionary Measures
The SPF has emphasised several key precautions to help the public avoid falling victim to these scams:
“Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call,” the SPF stated in their advisory.
This clear statement underscores a crucial red flag that citizens and residents should be aware of.
The police also strongly recommend adding the ScamShield app and setting up security features for online banking and e-wallets.
These features include:
- Setting transaction limits for internet banking
- Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Using the Money Lock feature to protect savings
Additionally, the public is advised to never disclose personal information, bank details, or OTPs to anyone.
Reporting and Contact Information
If you’re unsure about a potential scam, the SPF encourages calling the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
For more comprehensive information on scam prevention, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg.
Do you think more needs to be done to protect Singaporeans and residents from these increasingly sophisticated scams?
