Beware of Government Officials Impersonation scams
Anonymous | 23 Jul 2024
Phishing Scam
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Impersonation Scam
A customer service agent informed you of suspicious transactions in your "OCBC" account. If you didn't have an OCBC account, they claimed one was created on your behalf. They pretended to activate an emergency transfer with an SPF waiting soundtrack, then a "police officer" asked you to make a police report. You were transferred to WhatsApp, where the caller claimed the call was being recorded and used radio procedure to contact a "colleague" who said you were a suspect in a case. The "police" then interrogated you, asking for screenshots of your bank balances to show you didn't receive money from a main suspect. They provided a fake digital letter with an arrest warrant and freeze order.
Next, the "police" spoke with a "senior inspector" who gave you a chance if you agreed to a "financial investigation." They asked you to transfer money to a central bank account with low security and provided a digital letter for the investigation, instructing you not to touch the account. If there was a cooldown period, they scheduled another call to proceed. If someone asked you to find a quiet, private spot and keep the case confidential, do not trust them. Another warning sign was being transferred to a different organization during the same call. Do not trust WhatsApp for official matters; these should be handled in person.
Next, the "police" spoke with a "senior inspector" who gave you a chance if you agreed to a "financial investigation." They asked you to transfer money to a central bank account with low security and provided a digital letter for the investigation, instructing you not to touch the account. If there was a cooldown period, they scheduled another call to proceed. If someone asked you to find a quiet, private spot and keep the case confidential, do not trust them. Another warning sign was being transferred to a different organization during the same call. Do not trust WhatsApp for official matters; these should be handled in person.
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23 Jul 2024