SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Royal Malaysian Police have dismantled a syndicate believed to be involved in a “fake friend” phone scam targeting Singaporeans.
SPF announced in a press release on Tuesday, January 23, that Malaysian police raided two apartments in Johor on January 16 and arrested five Malaysian men aged between 19 and 36.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate started its fraudulent operations in June last year and was involved in more than 500 police reports, resulting in total losses of more than S$1.4 million (US$1 million).
The five were extradited to Singapore on Tuesday and are expected to be arraigned on charges of conspiracy to commit fraud on Wednesday.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine.
From January to November 2023, more than 6,300 people fell prey to the “fake friend” phone scam, with total losses amounting to at least S$21.1 million.
SPF and Malaysian Police are working together to share information on these scams.
SPF Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) Director General David Chew thanked the Johor Police for their “strong support and dedication in tackling transnational criminal organizations”.
“The Singapore Police Force is working closely with the Royal Malaysian Police to uncover and destroy cross-border fraud syndicates that prey on our people,” he said.
“We will continue to take tough action against individuals who repeatedly commit electronic fraud, even if they are based overseas.”
In these “fake friend” scams, the scammer typically contacts the victim via text message or phone call, pretending to be an acquaintance and asking for financial help.
SPF has reminded members of the public to be aware of such scam threats and to be aware of such calls.
To avoid falling prey to such scams, police advised the public to take steps such as installing the ScamShield mobile app, setting internet baking transaction limits, and enabling two-factor authentication.
Individuals should check official sources such as the Scam Alert website for signs of fraud and call anti-scam helplines. You should also check with your family and friends to see if they have any requests through alternative means, such as physically meeting or video calling.