Time and again you come across incidents that beg you to take a step back and ask, "Is this even real?" These are real-life events that feel right out of an action-packed movie.
Something similar happened in Singapore recently that is nothing short of a thriller. It involves mystery, drama, some action and a big twist right in the end. It’s also a reminder to stay away from unknown numbers, fake Chinese websites, and other potential scams that are aplenty in Singapore.
But what exactly transpired? Read on to find out.
Chinese Student Scammed And How!
In May this year, Chinese student Sam (name changed) studying in Singapore didn’t know his life was about to take a roller-coaster ride. He received a phone call from the DBS bank and the caller said that Sam’s DBS card had a serious financial issue. They would transfer it to police officers in Beijing to help resolve the same.
Unconvinced, the 21-year-old undergraduate disconnected the call. But little did he know that the scammers were two steps ahead of him. While still in doubt, Sam Googled the phone number that showed it belonged to a Beijing police department.
They made a video call the next time wearing police attire with a background that looked like a police station. The men told Sam that he owed $10,000 but assured him they would investigate and help him get his money back.
The scammers kept in touch with the victim through phone calls and WhatsApp messages, as well as the occasional video calls.
It took some convincing but Sam started believing all of this to be true.
The Scam: What It's About And How It Works
That was enough for the scammers to initiate the second step in their plan. They accused Sam to be involved in a serious financial crime. However, reassuring him that he will be saved, they told him to cut off contact with family and friends, and live somewhere else till the “investigation” is over.
Sam left his house and checked into a hotel along Upper Serangoon Road. He received a parcel that contained $500, a mobile phone and a hotel key card. The scammers then instructed him to shoot a video of himself while gagged and blindfolded.
Sam was told this is an “X-ray” photo used for investigation. In hindsight, that was a red flag he chose to ignore.
Concerned Parents Alert The Police
Meanwhile, Sam’s parents in China were concerned about his well-being after failing to make contact with him. They couldn’t contact him on May 15 and when Sam didn’t return home a day later, the parents filed a missing person's report with the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
Not aware of the report, Sam moved out of the hotel and into a Housing Board flat in Clementi for a few days. Sam says he met three people there including a 61-year-old man, his wife and their tenant.
The old man asked Sam if he was sent by the Chinese police officers at the HDB flat. Not expecting that question, Sam believed all of this happening to be true. Sam spent the next few days in the house watching TV Shows, ordering food and playing cars with the man’s wife.
At the same time, his parents prepared for the inevitable news - an accident, kidnapping or something else.
The Ransom Amount That Shocked Everybody
Their worst fears turned out to be true on May 20, when they received a phone call with a video of Sam blindfolded and gagged. The demand? 6 Million Yuan (about $1.24 million).
In the video message, the scammer was heard saying in Mandarin, “Kid, don’t be scared, I won’t hurt you. Listen up, as long as your parents pay up you don’t have to worry about anything else. Eventually, we will release you, but this is also up to your parents.”
While the video was clearly fake, it was scary for the parents. They immediately contacted the SPF and the Chinese consulate in Singapore.
The Big Reveal
The police sprung into action and found Sam a few hours later at the HDB flat. That's when he found out about the big scam.
He wasn't the only victim though, the guy who handed him the phone and money was also a victim. After the arrest, the 33-year-old said that he received $1,000 from the scammers to stage Sam’s “disappearance.”
He then bought the phone and SIM card for Sam and the scammer to communicate on phone. He also booked the hotel room for Sam at the behest of the scammer.
The 61-year-old HDB flat owner is also under investigation. He alleges to have been tricked into thinking he was helping a police investigation. Allegedly, the scammers told him he’s housing an important witness.
Scamming can attract a jail time of up to 10 years or a fine of up to $500,000 in Singapore.
Fake Scams In China
Scams in China aren’t exactly uncommon and people need to be extremely aware of which calls are true and which ones are fake. There are several fake Chinese websites as well that scam you off your money.
There were about 443 reported cases of China official impersonation scams in 2020. The scammers managed to cheat more than $39 million in the process. The number is less when compared to 456 such cases reported in 2019.
How To Stay Safe From Fake Chinese Websites And Calls
With calls and fake websites quite common and look quite authentic, it’s easy to fall prey to such scams. However, a little presence of mind and awareness will help you stay away from a potentially threatening situation.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe from fake Chinese websites and calls:
- Always remember that law enforcement agencies cannot conduct an operation in Singapore without local support. The Chinese police, Interpol or any such agencies do not have jurisdiction. So any call claiming the same is a fake.
- No government agency will ask members of the public to help with any form of investigation without the approval of the Singapore government.
- Always ignore calls and messages that claim to be overseas officials such as police officers from China or Interpol. Preferably block the number to avoid any further contact.
- For foreigners receiving calls from their home country, always verify the claims with your country’s embassy or High Commission.
- Never divulge your bank account details, OTP number, or personal details to such callers on the phone.
To know more about scams, you can log on to www.scamalert.sg or call the anti-scam hotline at 1800 722 6688.
News source: CNA
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