Spike in mobile-line subscription scam cases in Singapore

PHOTO: Getty Images
PHOTO: Getty Images

Police have seen a spike in scam cases involving fraudulent subscription of mobile lines this year. From January to June, 77 such cases were reported with the amount cheated totalling more than $83,000, a seven-fold increase as compared to 10 cases reported in the same period last year.

The Singapore Police Force wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday (27 November) that these cases involved people being cheated into signing for handsets and mobile lines for others, usually for a commission.

The scammers then disappeared, forcing the victims to pay all the charges on the line including those for line cancellation, which can amount to more than $1,000.

A sample advertisement for scams involving fraudulent subscription of mobile lines. (PHOTO: Facebook/Singapore Police Force)
A sample advertisement for scams involving fraudulent subscription of mobile lines. (PHOTO: Facebook/Singapore Police Force)

Police said that members of the public can seek scam-related advice via the anti-scam helpline at 1800-722-6688, or go to www.scamalert.sg

If they wish to provide information related to such scams, they may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit the information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

Other Singapore stories:

Lawyer struck off the rolls over role in PIC scam

Deliveroo to remove all shark fin dishes from Singapore platform

Orchard Road public areas designated as No Smoking Zone from 1 January