Learn how to spot common scams with DBS Scam Defence
Understand how common scams work
Identify warning signs before it’s too late
Take simple steps to protect yourself online
Overview
Overview
eCommerce scams
Fake friend scam
Job scam
Impersonation scam
Phishing scam
Malware threats
Money mules scam
eCommerce scams
Watch out for fake sellers or buyers who might trick you into revealing sensitive information.1.
An attractive offer appearsA scammer posts on online marketplaces and social media with too-good-to-be-true deals. They may also contact you claiming to be an interested “buyer”.
2.
You are directed to a fake payment siteThey may send a link or QR code to make or receive payment. This can lead to a phishing site that asks for sensitive information.
3.
A malicious app is installedThey might ask you to download an app to complete the payment. This can be malware designed to steal your banking details.
Fake friend scam
Beware of scammers who pretend to be someone you know to earn your trust and trick you.1.
An unexpected message or callA scammer calls or messages you, pretending to be someone you know, such as an old schoolmate, business partner or renovation contractor.
2.
Assuming a familiar identityThey may call you by name and ask you to guess who they are. Whatever name you guess, they will assume that identity.
3.
Gaining your trustThey may prey on your instinct to help a friend in need and use it to gain your trust.
4.
Carrying out the scamOnce they have built rapport, they may trick you into transferring money as a “loan”, sharing personal information, or downloading a malicious app.
Job scam
Watch out for unsolicited too-good-to-be-true “job offers” from unknown “employers”. 1.
An attractive job offer appearsA scammer contacts you through a messaging app or social media and makes a fake job offer supposedly from a well-known brand.
2.
Easy money with minimal effortThe “job” appear high-paying yet require little effort and can be done remotely.
3.
Registration or app downloadYou are asked to register on a website or download an app to complete tasks.
4.
Required to pay before you earnYou receive attractive commissions for completing tasks. However, you will first be asked to purchase these tasks by making transfers to unknown bank accounts.
5.
Building trust with early payoutsCommissions are given for the first few tasks to make the job look legitimate.
6.
The scammer vanishesEventually, the scammer disappears with your money, leaving you unable to recover your losses.
Impersonation scam
Beware of scammers who claim to be from DBS/POSB or government agencies.1.
A call from a trusted sourceA scammer calls or messages you, claiming to be from DBS or POSB.
2.
Creating fear or urgencyThey will claim there have been unauthorised login attempts or transactions in your bank account and provide a link to a phishing website that asks for sensitive information such as your bank account number and password.
3.
Impersonating an authority figureSome scammers may claim to be from a government agency and even initiate video calls while wearing uniforms similar to those worn by police officers. They may ask for details such as your mobile number, DBS digibank login credentials and OTPs.
4.
Stealing your moneyThe scammer then uses the information obtained to access your bank accounts and steal your money.
Phishing scam
Watch out for fake websites that look legitimate and ask for your personal or banking details.1.
A fake website is createdA scammer sets up a fake phishing website that looks similar to a DBS/POSB Internet banking website.
2.
You are lured to the fake websiteThe scammer contacts you via SMS, email, WhatsApp, or other messaging platforms. They may pose as an employer offering a job opportunity or pretend to be an old friend, and persuade you to visit the phishing website and enter your personal or banking details.
3.
Sensitive information is stolenThe scammer uses the information obtained to access your bank accounts and steal your money.
Malware threats
Beware of requests to download suspicious apps from unknown sources.1.
An attractive offer appearsA scammer creates fake ads on social media that offer enticing deals for home services (e.g. home cleaning services, aircon maintenance, pet grooming) or food items (e.g. herbal chicken, ikan bilis, durians) to lure you in.
2.
You are asked to download an appThe scammer then sends you a link or QR code that tricks you into downloading an app not found on official app stores such as the Apple App Store or Google Play.
3.
Your device is compromisedOnce installed on your device, the app allows the scammer to steal your banking credentials or trick you into giving them away.
Money mules scam
Money mules are individuals who unknowingly assist criminals in laundering illegally obtained money by transferring it between accounts.1.
Lured by easy money"Fast Cash" job offers: Be wary of online jobs that promise easy money for receiving and transferring funds through your bank account. These roles often involve forwarding money for a commission and may expose you to scams or money laundering activities.
2.
Asked to use your bank accountExploiting bank accounts: Scammers may offer incentives for individuals to sell or rent out their bank accounts, or even open new accounts, for illegal activities.
3.
Targeting your Singpass credentialsScammers may also offer money in exchange for your Singpass credentials. They can then use these credentials to carry out illegal activities without your knowledge.