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Singapore Warns of M1 and MAS Impersonation Scams Costing $362,000

Singapore police warn of sophisticated scam operation involving fake M1 and MAS employees that has resulted in S$362,000 in losses since September. Victims targeted through elaborate impersonation scheme.

ParWei-Ling Tan
Publié le
#singapore-scams#cybersecurity#financial-fraud#mas-singapore#m1-telecom#digital-security#phone-scams#consumer-protection
Image d'illustration pour: At least $362,000 lost since September to scams involving fake M1, MAS employees

Singapore Police Force headquarters building where cybercrime warnings are issued to protect citizens from sophisticated scams

SINGAPORE - The police have issued an urgent warning about sophisticated scams involving fraudsters impersonating M1 telecommunications staff and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) officers, resulting in losses exceeding S$362,000 since September.

How the Scam Works

The scammers employ a two-step approach to target victims:

  • Initial contact through unsolicited calls or WhatsApp messages from fake M1 employees
  • Claims about outstanding payments or mobile phone delivery issues
  • Referral to fraudulent "customer service" representatives via WhatsApp
  • Connection to scammers posing as MAS officers alleging identity theft and money laundering

Sophisticated Deception Tactics

These incidents highlight the increasing sophistication of financial fraud in Singapore's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Victims are pressured to:

  • Transfer funds to alleged "safety accounts"
  • Make PayNow or cryptocurrency payments
  • Share screen access during bank account logins
  • Hand over cash to unknown individuals

Prevention and Protection

As Singapore continues to strengthen its social cohesion against various threats, authorities emphasize these key safety measures:

  • Never transfer money or valuables to unknown persons
  • Do not share banking credentials or download unofficial apps
  • Remember that government officials, including MAS, never request money transfers or bank logins via phone

For additional protection against scams, citizens are encouraged to visit www.scamshield.gov.sg for comprehensive guidance and updates.

Wei-Ling Tan

Tech and economy specialist, covering innovation in Southeast Asia from Singapore for both English-language and regional media outlets.