Two Malaysian men arrested over scams involving fake YouTrip, MAS, and police officers
Two Malaysian men, aged 24 and 35, have been arrested over their suspected involvement in separate government official impersonation scams that saw victims hand over about S$55,000 in cash and valuables.
In one case, a 71-year-old woman received a call from someone posing as a YouTrip representative, before being directed to another person claiming to be an officer from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
In the other, a victim was told that their identity had been used to purchase an M1 SIM card, before a supposed police officer stepped in to demand cash.
71-year-old hands over about S$16,000 in valuables
On 5 Oct, police received a report involving a 71-year-old woman who had been contacted by someone claiming to represent YouTrip.
Source: YouTrip, for illustration purposes only
The caller claimed that an unauthorised transaction had been made under her name to purchase an insurance policy from YouTrip.
When she denied buying the policy, the caller directed her to another person posing as an MAS officer.
This supposed officer claimed that the woman was implicated in a money-laundering investigation.
Source: Monetary Authority of Singapore, for illustration purposes only
To make the claims appear legitimate, the scammer presented a forged court order purportedly issued by the ‘Supreme Court’, demanding that she surrender her assets for investigation.
Believing the claims, she handed over gold jewellery and other valuables worth approximately S$16,000 to a man that same day.
It was only later that evening, when her son learnt what had happened, that the scam came to light. He immediately contacted the police for assistance.
Another victim told to hand over S$39,000 in cash
In a separate case reported on 6 Oct, a victim received a call from an unknown person claiming that their identity had been used to purchase an M1 SIM card.
Source: M1, for illustration purposes only
When the victim denied making the purchase, the caller claimed that the matter would be referred to the police for investigation.
Another caller, this time posing as a police officer, then instructed the victim to assist with the supposed investigation.
The victim was eventually told to meet a man near Hougang Avenue 3 and hand over S$39,000 in cash.
After realising that it was a scam, the victim lodged a police report.
Police arrest two Malaysian men on 6 Oct
Following investigations, officers from the Cyber Command identified and arrested the 24-year-old man on 6 Oct, with assistance from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
On the same day, police also identified the 35-year-old man with help from the Police Operations Command Centre and ICA, before arresting him near Woodlands Checkpoint.
Source: Wikipedia
Preliminary investigations suggest that the two men had been instructed by unknown individuals, believed to be members of a transnational scam syndicate, to collect cash and valuables from victims and pass them to other individuals.
In a statement on 7 Oct, SPF said the pair were slated to be charged in court the following day with abetment by conspiracy to assist another person in retaining benefits from criminal conduct.
The offence carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
Police observe rise in Malaysians entering Singapore to collect scam proceeds
Police said they have observed an increasing trend of Malaysian nationals travelling to Singapore to help scam syndicates collect cash, gold, and other valuables from victims.
Under Singapore’s enhanced penalties for scam-related offences, scammers, as well as members and recruiters of scam syndicates, face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to a maximum of 24 strokes.
Meanwhile, scam mules who help launder scam proceeds may face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes for certain offences.
Those involved in mule-related offences may also have their banking services and mobile line subscriptions restricted under the Facility Restriction Framework.
YouTrip and MAS warn public against impersonation scams
YouTrip has warned users against unexpected calls claiming they have purchased insurance or are involved in criminal investigations.
The company stressed that it would never ask for OTPs, passwords, or payments through unsolicited calls or WhatsApp messages. Those receiving suspicious calls should contact YouTrip directly through its official channels.
Similarly, MAS has cautioned that its officers will never ask people to transfer money, disclose banking login details, or transfer calls to the police.
Police also reminded the public not to hand cash, jewellery, or other valuables to unknown individuals, or leave them at designated locations for collection.
Anyone unsure if they are dealing with a scam can call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
Information relating to suspected crimes can be reported to the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, while those requiring urgent police assistance should call 999.
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Featured image adapted from Lima Santos and RDNE Stock project on Pexels.