Singapore Police Warn on Malicious Dating Apps Scam: Tips to Protect Yourself Online

POLICE ADVISORY ON NEW SCAM VARIANTS INVOLVING MALICIOUS DATING APPLICATIONS

Date: August 17, 2023

As part of our ongoing commitment to protect Singaporeans agnst online frauds and scams, the Police have observed a recent surge in fraudulent activities that involve malicious dating applications. Since July this year, at least nineteen individuals have fallen prey to these schemes with reported losses amounting to approximately $13,000.

These incidents typically unfold as follows:

Victims receive messages on TikTok or through popular dating platforms like MI Chat and Tagged, where they are contacted by seemingly legitimate profiles. The communication then moves off the platform onto WhatsApp for further engagement. Scammers subsequently engage victims with propositions such as continuing conversations via one-on-one video calls while engaging in intimate activities or being offered access to private content of the contact person. In order to proceed, the scammers s a URL link via WhatsApp that requires downloading an Android Package Kit APK file. Once downloaded and installed on the victim's device, this malicious software has the capability to obtn banking credentials when the victim accesses their internet banking accounts through these apps.

Upon accessing unauthorized transactions from their financial accounts, victims realize they have been defrauded.

Preventive Measures:

The Singapore Police Force advises members of the public to be cautious and adopt several preventive actions:

1. Add Security Layers: Incorporate anti-virus or anti-malware applications into your devices from official Play Store or App Store sources. Regularly update your operating systems and apps to receive the latest security patches.

2. Enhance Device Protection: Disable options that allow installation of unknown apps such as Install Unknown App or Unknown Sources. Be wary of pop-ups requesting permission for access to hardware or data.

3. Fact Check: Verify any suspicious requests, particularly those involving downloads from unfamiliar sources by visiting scam alert websites like www.scamalert.sg and contacting the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688.

Report Awareness:

Inform family members, fris, or authorities about these scams. It's crucial to report numbers to WhatsApp to block them in-app and immediately alert your bank about any unauthorized transactions upon suspicion.

Post-Attack Protocols:

If you have already installed the malicious app:

1. Disconnect: Turn off mobile connectivity through flight mode.

2. Scan: Run an anti-virus scan on your device.

3. Check: Review your bank, Singpass, CPF accounts or any other sensitive online platforms for unauthorized activities via another device or method.

Report Unlawful Activities: If unapproved transactions are detected:

1. Notify: Contact the bank immediately and file a report with relevant authorities. Proceed to lodge a police report as well.

For individuals who believe their device might have been infected despite following these protocols, consider:

1. Factory Reset: This action can help in removing malicious software if it hasn't already spread.

2. Password Protection: Update passwords for critical accounts post-incident.

General Advice:

In the event of any scam involvement or doubt about online interactions, please contact the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or use our online reporting platform at www.police.gov.sgiwitness. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

Educating ourselves agnst scams contributes to a safer community. Together, we can ACT Agnst Scams!

Annexes

Example of the conversation over WhatsApp

Illustration of malicious dating app

This article is reproduced from: https://www.police.gov.sg/Media-Room/News/20230817_police_advisory_on_new_variant_of_scams_involving_malicious_dating_applications

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