SINGAPORE — The police warned on Friday (April 17) that scams involving offers of sex surged in March, amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

At least 112 of these scams were reported that month, with losses amounting to at least S$295,000, the police said in an advisory on Friday.

They had previously announced that in 2019, at least 1,065 credit-for-sex scams were reported with losses amounting to at least S$2.8 million. That was double the number of cases in 2018.

Taking a monthly average from 2019 of about 89 cases involving about S$230,000, the March 2020 figures represent a significant increase both in terms of case numbers and the amount that the victims lost.

The police said that in these scams, victims typically befriended the scammers or searched for sexual services on online applications such as WeChat, Tinder and Michat, or on websites like Locanto and Skokka. Some scammers would also approach their victims using these platforms to offer sexual services.

Victims were then asked to make advance payment to the scammers using AliPay credits at AXS machines, or to purchase iTunes or Google Play gift cards in exchange for sexual services.

However, the scammers would become uncontactable after the payments were made, and most victims realised they were scammed only after no one showed up at their agreed meeting point.

To avoid being scammed, the police advise the public not to give out their personal details such as credit card information freely. They should also be wary of friend requests or online listings offering escort, massage or sexual services, as these could be fraudulent.

When faced with scammers who try to use scare tactics, victims should remain calm and not accede to their requests for more payments even if the scammers threaten them.

The public can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or visit www.police.gov.sg/iwitness to provide information on such scams. They can also call the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit www.scamalert.sg for scam-related advice.