SINGAPORE, Oct 20 — If you are an Android device user and have come across advertisements on Facebook that require you to download an application package (APK), do not do so or you could be the next victim of a malware-enabled scam.
In an advisory issued today, the police alerted the public of the scam variant, which involves advertisements on social media platforms promoting senior-focused activities and programmes, water-based fitness activities, and recycling initiatives.
At least 62 cases have been reported since April, with losses amounting to at least S$989,000 (RM3.2 million).
Victims of this scam variant would chance upon such fake advertisements on social media platforms, such as Facebook, and be instructed to download an APK.
They were led to believe that this was required to facilitate programme registration or service arrangements, the police said.
But victims would instead end up receiving unsolicited calls from scammers impersonating government officials or bank representatives.
They were told that their devices or bank accounts had been compromised, or that they were implicated in criminal activities.
Victims would then be induced to transfer monies, disclose banking credentials or personal information, or surrender valuables for investigations.
Police said that in some cases, scammers were also able to perform unauthorised transactions from the victims’ bank accounts through the malware installed on their devices.
The victims would only realise that they had been scammed after discovering such unauthorised transactions.
Members of the public are reminded to only install apps from official application stores.
They should also note that Singapore Government officials will never ask anyone to transfer or hand over money or valuable, disclose banking login details, or transfer calls to the police or any other government agencies.
Those who are in doubt can call the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799. — AsiaOne
