SINGAPORE — Banking-related phishing scams have re-emerged in the form of spoof SMS (short message service) messages that trick victims into thinking that they were sent by their bank.

In all, S$1.07 million was lost in 374 cases of such scams between January and May, the Singapore Police Force said in a statement on Saturday (July 10).

Victims of the scam received an SMS message allegedly sent by their bank, informing them of payment attempts detected from their bank account.

"As the scammers had spoofed the bank's SMS accounts, the scammers' message might appear in the same SMS conversation thread as a bona fide SMS message from the bank," said the police.

The message prompted the victims to click on the link provided if they had not made the transactions.

When victims clicked on the link, they were led to a phishing website resembling the bank's official website. They were then asked for their particulars, internet banking details and one-time passwords.

After providing the details, the victims realised that they had been scammed when they received SMS messages about money being transferred from their accounts, the police said.

The police reminded the public not to click on links or call the numbers listed in unsolicited messages, and to verify the information with official websites or sources.

Personal information, internet banking details and one-time passwords should never be disclosed to anyone, and bank staff members and government officials would not request these over the phone, they added.

If compromised, "report any fraudulent credit or debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card immediately", said the police. CNA

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