New scam lures victims to make police report using fake Google form

SINGAPORE - Scammers are pretending to help victims of ruses file police reports by sending them Google forms that bear the Singapore Police Force (SPF) insignia.

The police said on Wednesday that they do not get members of the public to provide information on scams or lodge reports through Google forms.

The elaborate scam starts with victims receiving an unsolicited e-mail that directs them to click on a provided link to claim a gift voucher, said the police.

They are then directed to a Web page to enter their credit or debit card information, a security code and a one-time password. A fraudulent transaction will then be charged to the card.

“Shortly after the transaction, the scammers will contact the victim and introduce themselves as bank staff who are following up on the fraudulent transaction,” said the police.

Next, the victim will receive another link, this time telling him to provide his personal particulars on a Google form that fraudulently bears the SPF insignia. The victim is duped into thinking he is making a police report.

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The form will also include a fake police case number.

Having gained the victim’s trust, the scammers, still posing as bank staff, will try to scam the victim in other ways, the police said.

For instance, they might direct the victim to download a malicious software application, which will allow them to take control of the victim’s computer.

The scammers will then have access to the victim’s Internet banking accounts to make unauthorised transactions.

The police said members of the public should not click on suspicious links provided in unofficial sources, and they should always verify the authenticity of links with the official website or source.

For more information on scams, people can visit the Scam Alert website (www.scamalert.sg) or call the Anti-Scam Hotline on 1800-722-6688

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.