CySecurity News – Latest Information Security and Hacking Incidents
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has warned of a new scam advertisement on Google search where fake bank hotlines would appear when users search for banks’ contact numbers. Since December 2021, victims of these scams have already lost more than S$495,000 ($367,775).
The fake ads appear on Google when users search for a bank’s contact number with the aim of seeking advice for various reasons. These ads would show up amongst the first few search results and contain fake contact details for the bank, the Singapore Police said in its advisory note.
The victims would call the fake number and speak to a scammer impersonating as bank staff. “After sharing the reasons for contacting the bank, victims would be informed that there were issues with their bank account, credit/debit cards, or loan amount,” the police said.
The victims are then instructed to temporarily transfer the funds to bank accounts, under the pretext of resolving the bank account or credit or debit card issuer or to make a payment for the outstanding loan.
Singapore Police Warns of Phony Bank Hotlines in Google Search Advertisements