Since the start of 2024, Singapore has seen at least 198 reports of tech support scams, resulting in a reported loss of $17.5 million. The scams typically involve pop-up alerts claiming computer compromise and providing a phone number for support. Scammers, posing as representatives from companies like Microsoft or Apple, trick victims into downloading remote access software and then access their bank accounts to steal funds. Authorities urge vigilance when verifying the authenticity of such messages and advise victims to immediately disconnect their computers, report the incident to their banks, and seek anti-virus scans.
A reported $17.5m have been lost to tech support scams since Jan 2024.At least 198 reports have been made by victims who have fallen prey to tech support scams since the start of 2024, with a total loss amounting to at least $17.5 million.
Phone numbers provided by the scammers often start with the "+65" prefix or the number 6, which give victims the impression that they are calling a legitimate helpdesk for technical support. They would then instruct victims to download remote access applications before requesting them to log into their bank accounts.
In some cases, scammers would ask victims to approve the bank transaction with their digital token when bank authentication is required.
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