Despite a decline in the number of scams on the online shopping platform, criminals are increasingly exploiting verified accounts, says the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Despite a decline in the number of scams on the online shopping platform, criminals are increasingly exploiting verified accounts, says the Ministry of Home Affairs.SINGAPORE: The online shopping platform Carousell will implement more safeguards targeted at preventing the misuse of verified accounts for scams by Jan 31 next year, the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Friday .
Investigations by the Singapore Police Force found that scammers have increasingly used Singpass-verified Carousell accounts to carry out scams. They did so by phishing login details to take over verified accounts, paying users to hand over their accounts, or using stolen or purchased Singpass credentials to verify new accounts. To address this, MHA said, Carousell has committed to improving authentication processes to prevent malicious takeovers, such as offering more secure login options like passkeys and biometric logins. It has also committed to suspending accounts detected to have been relinquished to scammers and blacklisting Singpass credentials previously used to verify scam accounts from verifying new ones.The platform conducted enhanced verification on selected high-risk sellers and advertisers between Jul 1 and Dec 31 last year. On Mar 10, 2025, MHA extended the assessment period of Carousell’s user verification pilot for six months until Jun 30. MHA had highlighted that if the number of e-commerce scams on Carousell did not drop significantly over the pilot, MHA would require Carousell to verify the identities of all sellers,” it said.New Bill to target online content suspected of use in scams, malicious cyber activity From April to June 2025, the number of e-commerce scams on Carousell rose to 513 cases from 470 cases in the same period in 2024. But there was a 36 per cent drop in the total reported scams on the platform, from 1,125 cases in April to June 2024 to 720 cases in April to June 2025. “MHA will continue to monitor the effectiveness of Carousell’s measures in reducing the number of e-commerce scams and direct Carousell to implement additional measures, if necessary,” said the ministry. “MHA takes a serious view of the abuse of Singpass accounts. The police will take enforcement action against Singpass mules if they are found to have abused their Singpass credentials to facilitate scams.” MHA added that it is considering legislating new offences to better act against users who wilfully relinquish Singpass-verified online accounts for criminal purposes. We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.
Please follow us on Google to support usSingapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Police Warn of Scammers Impersonating Food Delivery Platforms, Businesses Lose at Least $42kAuthorities alert F&B businesses to a new scam variant where criminals impersonate food delivery platforms to steal earnings. Scammers gain access to accounts by tricking businesses into revealing personal information, leading to financial losses of at least $42,000. The public is advised to use the ACT framework for scam prevention.
Read more »
At least $42k lost: Police warn of scammers impersonating food delivery platforms to target F&B businessesScammers are using a new method to fraudulently take over the food delivery platform accounts of food and beverage (F&B) businesses, the police have warned.They said that at least four cases have been reported since August 2025 with losses amounting to at least $42,000.
Read more »
Two Arrested for WhatsApp Phishing ScamsTwo 27-year-old men were arrested for their suspected involvement in a series of phishing scams targeting WhatsApp users. The scammers sent out SMS messages claiming issues with accounts and directing victims to a fake WhatsApp page to steal their accounts and send fraudulent loan requests. The police seized multiple devices during the operation.
Read more »
Two Arrested in WhatsApp Phishing Scam Targeting UsersTwo individuals have been arrested for their suspected involvement in a sophisticated phishing scheme that targeted WhatsApp users. The scammers sent out mass SMS messages, tricking victims into providing their account details on fake webpages.
Read more »
Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew Responds to Overhead Compartment Water Leak with Resourcefulness and ProfessionalismA Singapore Airlines flight experienced a minor water leak from an overhead compartment, prompting the cabin crew to react swiftly and professionally. The incident, captured on video by a passenger, shows the crew using available resources to contain the leak and assist affected passengers. The airline has since issued a statement and offered compensation.
Read more »
Two Men Arrested for WhatsApp Phishing ScamsTwo 27-year-old men were arrested for their alleged involvement in phishing scams targeting WhatsApp users. The scammers sent unsolicited SMSes prompting victims to verify their accounts via a fake webpage, leading to account takeover and fraudulent loan requests. The police seized multiple devices and a car during the operation.
Read more »