WhatsApp Scam Seeks ‘Donations’ For Oxygen Tanks Sent To India, SPF Warns Against Responding

WhatsApp Scam Soliciting ‘Donations’ For Oxygen Tanks Sent To India

Now that most conversations are online, we often use messaging platforms like WhatsApp to converse with friends and family.

Source

However, there are cases when the app is used for more nefarious means.

Recently, scammers have found a way to hack into unsuspecting individuals’ WhatsApp accounts to solicit donations from their contacts.

These donations come under the guise of purchasing Oxygen Concentrator Machines to be sent to India, which is currently experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Responding to the rise of such cases, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has implored the public to not engage with these scammers, even if they may seemingly be familiar contacts.

WhatsApp scammers ask for donations to purchase oxygen tanks

In a public service announcement today (7 May), SPF issued a cautionary message, warning the public of an “oxygen machine donation” scam.

According to them, these scammers will claim to be raising funds to purchase Oxygen Concentrator Machines for donation to India.

They would request for the victims to assist with the purchase or donate to the cause, and emphasise the need for urgency.

Source

 

They would then provide a bank account number for fund transfer while claiming it belongs to the supplier of said machines.

Source

Victims will realise the scam only later, when the contact becomes uncontactable. In some instances, they find out after a loved one informs them that their accounts had been hacked.

Source

Verify any WhatsApp requests offline

Police have also urged the public to be wary of unusual requests via WhatsApp, even if they come from familiar contacts.

One should do their due diligence and verify these requests with the person directly, either offline or through a different platform.

More importantly, you should never send money to people you don’t know, or have never met in real life.

Should you encounter any unauthorised transactions, make sure to report them to the bank promptly to minimise losses.

Always keep your guard up

Scammers will always find new ways to evolve their scams, even at the expense of real-life tragedies.

So it becomes imperative that we keep our guards up when it comes to receiving unusual messages and requests.

You can also do your part by reporting such scams here or by contacting the police at 1800-255-0000.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at hello@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from 9to5Mac and Singapore Police Force.

Iqmall Hayat

“Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick? ” -Kevin Malone

Recent Posts

Passenger on US flight slammed for bringing Great Dane as ’emotional support’ dog

On the other hand, some said they'd prefer sitting next to a massive dog than…

23 Dec 2024, 10:12 am

Nearly 20 cats abandoned in Bedok flat filled with rubbish, some injured after jumping from windows

Some sustained injuries after jumping from windows, while others starved to death.

23 Dec 2024, 9:52 am

Continuous heavy traffic expected at S’pore-JB checkpoints till end of 2024: ICA

A record of more than 553,000 travellers crossed both checkpoints on 13 Dec.

22 Dec 2024, 7:25 pm

H5N1 poses ‘highest risk’ of becoming next pandemic, S’pore health authorities monitoring situation

There has been no year-end Covid-19 wave, as had been expected.

22 Dec 2024, 6:42 pm

Wagyu beef worth S$5,700 found in car entering JB from S’pore, M’sian driver arrested

The beef was imported without a veterinary health certificate and halal certification.

22 Dec 2024, 5:40 pm

Long queue forms at Jalan Besar Stadium for tickets to ASEAN Championship semi-final

One fan started queueing as early as 7am.

22 Dec 2024, 4:50 pm