SINGAPORE — At least 154 people have fallen prey to a “recurring tech support scam” since January this year, with losses amounting to at least S$7.1 million, the authorities said on Tuesday (April 26).
In a joint announcement, the Singapore Police Force and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) warned the public of scammers who approach victims under the pretext of assisting them with computer or Wi-Fi network issues.
The agencies said they have observed two main methods that the tech support scam has been carried out.
In the first method, victims would receive a pop-up alert while using an internet browser on their computer, they said.
The alert would indicate that their computer has been compromised, and include instructions for them to contact the software provider, such as Microsoft, at a stated number for assistance.
The agencies said the number would usually appear as variants of +653159(XXXX), leading victims to believe that it was a valid local help desk contact number.
Victims who called the number provided would speak to scammers impersonating tech support personnel.
The second method involves victims receiving an unsolicited call from scammers, who would claim that they are working for internet service providers such as Singtel.
The agencies added that the scammers would indicate that the victims’ Wi-Fi network had been compromised by hackers and they were calling to assist in resolving the issue.
In some instances, the agencies said the…
