Impersonation through facebook accounts

Police would like to remind the public to be vigilant against scammers who gained unauthorized access into Facebook accounts and impersonate the real account holders to ask their Facebook friends for loans or financial assistance to tide over unfortunate events. From January to February 2014, at least 6 cases had been reported of which more than $19 000 had been cheated. Members of public are reminded to adopt the following crime prevention measures to avoid falling victim to such scams:

i. Never transfer/remit money or give credit card or online account details before checking on the authenticity of the request and recipient.

ii. Alert the account holder when you receive messages of such nature. This will also assist you to check as to whether he/she is indeed facing difficulties.

iii. If you are unable to contact the account holder, check with his family members or other friends on his whereabouts before providing any form of assistance.

If you have any information related to this crime, please call the Police hotline at 1800-255 0000 or dial 999 for urgent Police assistance. Information can also be submitted online at www.spf.gov.sg/CrimeStopper. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

http://www.spf.gov.sg/CrimeStopper