SCAM WARNING: Singaporeans Alerted By Police To Be Cautious About Scam Job Advertisements

A new trend of scams is becoming prevalent in Singapore baiting Singaporeans through job advertisements with high hourly salaries. Apparently, the scammers are sending text messages of fake job postings and use unsuspecting Singaporeans as money mules. 

In a news release, the police advised strongly that, 

“Members of the public are advised to be on their guard against such elaborate scams, as they could unknowingly be used as money mules to launder proceeds of criminal conduct.”

“The police would like to remind the public that your bank account(s) will be ‘frozen’ if it is used to assist in laundering money from criminal activities, and you will be subjected to criminal investigations.”

The police requested the public to always: 

1. Never click on suspicious URL links 
2. Never send money to strangers
3. Do not share bank account login details with anyone 
4. Decline job offers that demand the use of personal bank accounts to perform money transfer for others, purchase cryptocurrency for others, or open new bank accounts
5. Avoid withdrawing or transferring any suspicious funds they may receive in their bank accounts 
6. Report any suspicious matter to the bank and the police

Notably, if the public is found to be money mules, they may be charged with money laundering offenses under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act. If convicted, they will be jailed up to 10 years, fined up to S$500,000, or both. Moreover, they could also be charged a fine of up to S$125,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both under the Payment Services Act. 

[Source]