Police warn of bail scam

Police warn of bail scam

Police said criminals are coming up with more innovative ways to cheat unsuspecting victims.

They reminded the public to be vigilant against scams.

In a statement, the police said they received reports on the "police bail" phone scam recently.

In this scam, victims received calls purportedly from China, with the "+86" country code.

The caller would claim to be the victim's friend and allege that he had been arrested by police while in China.

The scammer would then ask the victim to transfer a sum of money to pay the bail or fines for his release.

Victims who acceded to the scammer's request would eventually discover that it was a scam after establishing contact with their friends.

So far victims have transferred sums ranging from S$800 to S$16,000 to a bank account in China.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Beware of sham "NTUC FairPrice" emails

Beware of sham "NTUC FairPrice" emails

Police have received several reports of emails being sent using the "NTUC FairPrice" name.

Recipients were informed they had been selected for a chance to win shopping vouchers from NTUC and they were to provide their particulars for verification.

NTUC FairPrice has clarified that such emails are not authentic and it is not running any email or phone contests currently.

It added winners of actual contests or lucky draws organised by NTUC FairPrice are notified by post or through advertisements.

Police say scammers have employed a similar ploy in other cases, by claiming they were staff of a well-established courier company, for phishing purposes.

Police remind members of the public to be wary of such emails or phone calls.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

22 victims fall prey to new phone scam

22 victims fall prey to new phone scam

A total of 22 people have fallen prey in the past month to a new phone scam, where a caller would claim to be an officer from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.

In all, 49 cases were reported to the police.

Inspector Zhahir Hushan, a senior police officer, said: "The scammers would call from a hotline which is similar to ICA, which is 6391-6100. The scammers would then demand the victims to transfer money into their accounts, claiming that they had failed to fill up the disembarkation card or embarkation card properly.

"Noting this, the victims would move forward and transfer the funds. Police advise members of the public, upon receiving such calls, to either ignore the calls, not to transfer any funds or to call 999 immediately."

Police say the cases so far involved $36,811.

One of the victims told Channel NewsAsia he was cheated of $2,700, when he transferred through remittance company Western Union to accounts seemingly based in New Delhi, India.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Beware of phone calls offering zoo tickets

Beware of phone calls offering zoo tickets

If you receive a phone call telling you that you have won free admission to the Singapore Zoo, do not celebrate.

It is likely to be a scam to steal personal details like your name and identity-card (IC) number.

A handful of people turned up at the zoo earlier this month only to find out that the tickets they had "won" did not exist.

They also learnt that the person who called them did not work for the zoo.

In a statement issued to my paper, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), which runs the zoo, confirmed that it has uncovered a recent spate of phone scams.

The victims were requested to reveal their IC numbers over the phone in exchange for "free zoo tickets", WRS said in the statement.

Ms Isabel Cheng, director of marketing and communications at WRS, advised members of the public to make a police report if they receive such calls.

The scam came to light after the Singapore Zoo received several inquiries, in person and over the phone, about the free tickets.

~News courtesy of Omy~

Fraudsters withdraw cash from DBS/POSB accounts

Fraudsters withdraw cash from DBS/POSB accounts

A large-scale fraud operation targeting DBS and POSB account holders is raising concern among Singaporeans, as numerous customers report unauthorised withdrawals from their bank accounts.

Since Wednesday, online forums and social-networking websites like Facebook and Twitter have been abuzz with netizens saying there had been fraudulent withdrawals amounting to hundreds of dollars.

Many also said that they warned their friends and family to check their accounts.

In a statement, DBS said that about 200 bank customers had reported unauthorised withdrawals from their ATM- or debit-card accounts.

The average amount withdrawn was about $1,000 per account, added DBS. The bank's standard ATM- and debit-card withdrawal limit is $2,000 per day.

The withdrawals appeared to have taken place in Kuala Lumpur, even though affected account-holders said that their cards had remained in their possession all along.

Many also added that they had not visited Malaysia recently, and could not understand how the criminals had been able to make the withdrawals.

DBS said that it was treating the matter with "utmost priority".

It added that cards reported as compromised were immediately deactivated, and that affected account-holders would be issued with new cards.

Mr Jeremy Soo, managing director and head of consumer banking group (Singapore) at DBS Bank, said: "We have started to proactively contact all customers whose account transaction history indicates that there has been an ATM transaction made in Malaysia, over the past few days, to double-check and confirm that indeed such an ATM transaction was made.

"If the transaction was not made by them that is, it is fraudulent we will compensate them in full for the unauthorised transaction within 24 hours."

Any customer who believes their ATM or debit cards may have been compromised should contact the bank immediately, on 1800-220 1111, or visit any of the bank's branches.

Police yesterday also confirmed that they had received several reports of the unauthorised withdrawals, and said that investigations were on-going.

Affected card-holders were advised to lodge a police report via the Electronic Police Centre at www.spf.gov.sg/epc or at any neighbourhood police centre.

The report should include the date, amount, location and transaction description for each unauthorised withdrawal, police said.

-News courtesy of Omy-

HK Disneyland alerts public of alleged scams

Hong Kong Disneyland alerts public of alleged scams

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has issued a warning of a scam which makes use of its name.

In a statement, it said calls have been made by people who claimed to be its staff or letters sent to individuals, claiming they had won prizes from lucky draws or charitable events held by the resort. However, money is demanded in order for the prizes to be claimed.

Hong Kong Disneyland said it is not connected with these activities and the matter is currently under police investigation.

The resort said it has not authorised any parties, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, to approach the public in this manner.

It recommends that members of the public contact the resort directly on (852)-1830-830 if they have any questions.

Singaporeans receiving similar suspicious telephone calls and letters are advised to report them to the authorities.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~

Beware of 'HK Disneyland Resort' scams

Beware of 'HK Disneyland Resort' scams

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has warned people in South-east Asia to beware of scams offering cash rewards from the resort.

In a statement issued yesterday, the resort drew attention to telephone calls and letters claiming to offer prizes, such as cash awards, from lucky draws or charitable, promotional and celebratory events allegedly organised by the resort.

A spokesman said: "The resort states that it has not authorised any parties, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, to approach the public in this manner."

The announcement comes in the wake of a number of alleged telephone scams in Singapore.

People identifying themselves as staff of the resort told individuals in Singapore, via phone calls or letters, that they have won prizes. In such cases, money is demanded in exchange for the prizes.

～News courtesy of Omy～

Seized eggs are genuine

Seized eggs are genuine

A test conducted by the state Veterinary Department on 270 eggs seized from the Pulau Tikus market has found them to be genuine.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Commit­tee chairman Phee Boon Poh said, however, he was still waiting for a second opinion from the Health Ministry.

“The ministry, which seized another 108 eggs from the market, is expected to reveal its findings.

“Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is expected to hold a press conference on Monday,” he said here yesterday.

The eggs, which were carted away by the authorities on Thursday, were sent for analysis at the state Veterinary Department and the ministry’s Chemistry Department in Petaling Jaya.

The eggs were seized following complaints by a housewife and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that fake eggs were being sold at the market.

Thanking CAP for highlighting the issue, Phee said the Penang Consumer Watch Group in all the 40 state constituencies were also on the lookout for fake eggs.

“They will alert us if they come across anything suspicious. The public can also lodge an official complaint with us so that we can take action,” he said.

In Ipoh, Deputy Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said those who suspected that they had bought fake eggs should immediately notify the ministry for it to investigate.

“There are millions of eggs in the market and it is impossible for us to seize them all,” she told reporters after a dialogue with the Perak Sundry Shops Guild.

She said ministry enforcement officers had been directed to monitor all those selling eggs.

In Kota Kinabalu, state Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the state was keeping a close watch on the possibility of fake eggs surfacing in the local market.

~News courtesy of The Star~

A test conducted by the state Veterinary Department on 270 eggs seized from the Pulau Tikus market has found them to be genuine.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Commit­tee chairman Phee Boon Poh said, however, he was still waiting for a second opinion from the Health Ministry.

“The ministry, which seized another 108 eggs from the market, is expected to reveal its findings.

“Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is expected to hold a press conference on Monday,” he said here yesterday.

The eggs, which were carted away by the authorities on Thursday, were sent for analysis at the state Veterinary Department and the ministry’s Chemistry Department in Petaling Jaya.

The eggs were seized following complaints by a housewife and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that fake eggs were being sold at the market.

Thanking CAP for highlighting the issue, Phee said the Penang Consumer Watch Group in all the 40 state constituencies were also on the lookout for fake eggs.

“They will alert us if they come across anything suspicious. The public can also lodge an official complaint with us so that we can take action,” he said.

In Ipoh, Deputy Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said those who suspected that they had bought fake eggs should immediately notify the ministry for it to investigate.

“There are millions of eggs in the market and it is impossible for us to seize them all,” she told reporters after a dialogue with the Perak Sundry Shops Guild.

She said ministry enforcement officers had been directed to monitor all those selling eggs.

In Kota Kinabalu, state Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the state was keeping a close watch on the possibility of fake eggs surfacing in the local market.

~News courtesy of The Star~

A test conducted by the state Veterinary Department on 270 eggs seized from the Pulau Tikus market has found them to be genuine.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Commit­tee chairman Phee Boon Poh said, however, he was still waiting for a second opinion from the Health Ministry.

“The ministry, which seized another 108 eggs from the market, is expected to reveal its findings.

“Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is expected to hold a press conference on Monday,” he said here yesterday.

The eggs, which were carted away by the authorities on Thursday, were sent for analysis at the state Veterinary Department and the ministry’s Chemistry Department in Petaling Jaya.

The eggs were seized following complaints by a housewife and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that fake eggs were being sold at the market.

Thanking CAP for highlighting the issue, Phee said the Penang Consumer Watch Group in all the 40 state constituencies were also on the lookout for fake eggs.

“They will alert us if they come across anything suspicious. The public can also lodge an official complaint with us so that we can take action,” he said.

In Ipoh, Deputy Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said those who suspected that they had bought fake eggs should immediately notify the ministry for it to investigate.

“There are millions of eggs in the market and it is impossible for us to seize them all,” she told reporters after a dialogue with the Perak Sundry Shops Guild.

She said ministry enforcement officers had been directed to monitor all those selling eggs.

In Kota Kinabalu, state Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the state was keeping a close watch on the possibility of fake eggs surfacing in the local market.

~News courtesy of The Star~

Egg-streme deception

Egg-streme deception

FAKE eggs, which are allegedly full of chemicals, have been found in Penang.

A housewife who bought a tray of 30 eggs for RM11 in a market has complained to the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) that they were fake.

CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the housewife brought the eggs to the association’s office on Jalan Mesjid Negeri yesterday morning after finding something fishy about them when she tried to cook them.

“She said the eggs did not smell like real eggs and were tasteless.

“They had unusual shapes and were larger than real eggs. The fake egg also had a rougher surface than the genuine one.

“When broken, there were no signs of the chalazae which is the opaque ropes of egg white that hold the egg yolk in the centre of the egg. The fake egg white and egg yolk quickly mixed together unlike those of genuine eggs,” Idris told a press conference yesterday.
The fake egg yolk is of a darker yellowish hue.

He said they found that the yolk of the fake egg was more yellowish than the real one when they cooked one of the fake eggs to find out the difference.

Idris said an e-mail circulated in the Internet had stated that fake eggs were common in China and were full of chemicals.

“According to the e-mail, the shell is made of calcium carbonate while the yolk and egg white are made of sodium alginate, alum, gelatin, benzoic acid and calcium chloride besides water and food colouring.

“Calcium chloride may cause liver diseases while benzoic acid can be harmful to the brain and nerve cells,” he said.

Asked how consumers can differentiate fake eggs from genuine ones, Idris said it would be very hard to do so as they looked almost the same.

“Try to look out for the weird shapes,” he said, adding that CAP staff went to buy eggs from the shop where the woman had bought the fake ones and the staff found the eggs were indeed fake.

He said CAP would write complaint letters to the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority to urge them to carry out investigations.

The ministry’s Penang enforcement division head M. Guna Selan said his office had not received any complaints of fake eggs so far.

“I will check with CAP first on the details of the complaint before deciding on the next course of action,” he said.

The content of the circulated e-mail was found through a Google search.

It stated that various ingredients, including an unknown powder and alum, are mixed together to make the egg white.

For egg yolk, some lemon- yellow colouring powder is mixed to a liquid and stirred.

The liquid is then poured into a round-shaped plastic mould and mixed with so-called ‘magic water’, which contains calcium chloride.

Hardy shells are formed by pouring paraffin wax and a liquid onto the concoction which are then left to dry.

-News courtesy of The Star-

Scratch and win scam

Scratch and win scam

A Singaporean who was shopping at the Johor Baru City Square lost RM 7,500 in a scratch and win scam.

The victim, Loh Kum Fai, 53, said a saleswoman had approached him and offered a coupon while he was walking along the pedestrian bridge from Custom & Immigration Quarantine Complex (CIQ) to the mall early this month.

“I was told to tear open a coupon given to me and upon opening it, she shouted that I had won a special prize,” he said at a press conference organised by Johor Baru MCA Youth chief Kua Song Tuck.

Loh added that he took a taxi with the salesgirl to the company’s office in Taman Molek and was told to pay a total of RM7,500 in fees before he could claim the prizes.

Among the items that he had won were a Jade Mattress, an electric stove and a leg massager machine.

Loh said that after a few weeks, he only received the mattress, which was delivered to his house in Singapore and has yet to receive the rest of the prizes despite several visits to the office and lodged a police report against the scratch and win company.

In an unrelated case, a factory worker employed in Singapore was also cheated in a similar scam last month.

The victim, Siew Kim Hong, 52, said she was approached by a salesman near City Square.

“I followed the man to his office located in Taman Molek and I was greeted by his supervisor who claimed to be an ‘Eric Tiong’.

“Tiong told me to pay RM7,600 in order to see the prizes I have won,” she said.

Siew added that she forked out the money and was told she had won a Jade Mattress, electric stove and a foot massager.

After few weeks, she went to the office to collect her prizes but she was told that the company has no employee by the name of ‘Eric Tiong’.

Following the discovery, Siew lodged a police report.

Commenting on the matter, Kua said that in the month of March, he received 10 complaints about scratch and win scam.

“We hope Domestic Trade Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry will do something about this,” he said.

Police, when contacted, confirmed the reports and said that the cases are pending investigations.

-News courtesy of The Star-

每日4名狮城客 坠刮刮乐党骗局

每日4名狮城客　坠刮刮乐党骗局

新山刮刮乐集团目标锁定新加坡人，花招百出行骗，每天都有四五人从新山把玉床等奖品捧回国，有些关卡官员见国人接连受骗，都不忍心向他们抽税。

马国媒体报道，新加坡男子罗锦祥（50岁，技术人员）3月初在新山城中坊和新山关卡间的天桥上，遇到一名少女提供抽奖机会。他跟随少女到百合花园的公司，提取了7500令吉（约3121新元）参加“抽奖”，赢得了玉床、脚底按摩器和电磁炉。

他新加坡关卡要通关申报时，官员都同情他的遭遇，不向他抽税。“关卡官员还说，一天至少有四五个人是以这样受骗的情况通关的。”

马华消费人事务副局长:越来越多狮城客 被骗前去求助

马华总团消费人事务局副局长柯松达受访时说，近两年来，越来越多人针对被刮刮乐集团骗而找他帮忙，至今已接获几十个新加坡人的投诉。

他说，他处理过多宗类似案件，至少知道这群不法之徒的基地在何处，会尽量帮忙。

柯松达说，许多受害者都是五六十岁的年长者，或许因为警觉性不够高，而且新加坡人或许不了解异国的风土人情才会上当。

《新明日报》

网络银行诈骗 Online bank scam

本人根本没有开设maybank的银行户口，何来的通知呢？
I do not have any maybank account, why do I need to do so?

Greetings from Maybank2u!

Due to the new enhanced security program that was installed on our server,
our customers can now perform daily online transactions with peace of mind
knowing of there private finanacial information is well protected.

Please visit the Maybank2u website in this message and validate your details
on our new security server.

Log on to www.maybank2u.com to complete the validation process.

P.S. The Link in this message will expire within 24 hours. TAC will be required
during update.

Thank you.

Warm Regards,

Maybank2u Team

Online scamming, beware!
网络银行诈骗，提防！