With the rise of SMS-based scams or smishing, it’s more important than ever to recognise fraudulent messages. Scammers often impersonate banks, government agencies, and trusted businesses to deceive recipients into clicking on malicious links, revealing personal information, or making payments.
By learning to identify the warning signs, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to scams. Here's what to look out for:
Legitimate organisations use consistent and official Sender IDs. However, scammers frequently send messages from random phone numbers that don't match the organisation they claim to be from. You might receive a message that appears to be from "SingPost" or "Your Bank," but the number isn’t registered or official. Always be cautious of messages from unfamiliar numbers.
If you’re unsure, verify the message through official channels. For example, If the message appears to be from your bank, call them directly using the phone number listed on their official website to confirm whether it’s legitimate.
Scammers include fraudulent links that lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information. You may be prompted to click on a link to "verify" your account or claim a prize, but these links direct you to fake sites that closely resemble official websites. Their goal is to capture sensitive data like usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
Before clicking on any link, check whether the URL matches the official website of the entity it claims to be from. If the link doesn’t match the organisation's domain, do not click on it.
Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Phrases like “Immediate action required!”, “Your account will be locked!”, or “You’ve won a prize—claim it now!” are often used to instil fear and prompt a quick reaction. However, legitimate communications from government agencies or trusted organisations rarely use such high-pressure tactics.
Pause and think before reacting. If something feels off, trust your instincts and be cautious.
A major red flag in scam SMS messages is the request for sensitive personal information, such as your bank account number or credit card details. Legitimate businesses will never ask for such information via SMS, especially in unsolicited messages. For example, a message from your bank asking you to confirm your login details or update your password is likely a scam.
Avoid sharing personal information via SMS, especially if the request comes unexpectedly. Contact the company or agency directly to verify whether the request is legitimate. If it turns out to be a scam, report it to the organisation it claims to be from.
Scam SMS messages are often poorly written and contain spelling or grammatical errors. Reputable organisations ensure their communications are well-written and professional, while scam messages tend to have typos, awkward phrasing, or formatting errors.
For instance, a message like, “Your accout is block. Kindly click here to re-activate your accout,” is a clear sign of scam.
Scammers might try to get you to download attachments or make payments. Messages claiming you’ve won a lottery or asking to pay a fee to claim a prize are definitely fraudulent. Similarly, messages requesting immediate payment to avoid fines or penalties are highly suspicious.
Never download attachments or make payments based on unsolicited messages. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
While knowing what to look out for is key, it’s also helpful to stay informed about common scams circulating. In Singapore, scams related to fake job offers, parcel deliveries, and phishing attempts targeting bank accounts are prevalent. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) regularly publishes reports to keep the public informed about the latest scam trends.
To stay up to date, use the ScamShield app to identify new scams as they emerge. You can also call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799, visit the ScamShield website to learn more, and follow ScamShield on social media for the latest scam alerts.
Spotting a scam SMS is not always easy, but by paying attention to red flags—suspicious links, urgent language, requests for personal information, and poor grammar—you can protect yourself from falling victim. Always verify any information through official channels, and don’t hesitate to report any suspicious messages you receive. By staying vigilant, you can help keep your personal information safe and secure.