The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Royal Malaysia Police have busted a syndicate believed to be involved in “fake friend” call scams targeting Singaporeans.
According to a statement released by SPF, the police said that the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) and the Johor Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the Royal Malaysia Police busted a transnational scam syndicate involving five Malaysian men in this joint operation.
From January to November 2023, more than 6,300 victims fell prey to fake friend call scams, with total losses of at least $21.1 million.
After analysing information provided by the victims, the police raided two apartments in Johor on 16 January 16 and arrested five Malaysian men. These men, aged between 19 to 36, were suspected to be involved in “fake friend” call scam operations targeting Singaporeans.
Scam operations started in June last year
Preliminary investigations revealed the syndicate started their scam operations last June and is believed to be responsible for more than 500 police reports made, with total losses of more than $1.4 million.
All five men were extradited to Singapore on Tuesday (23 January). They will be charged in court on 24 January with engaging in a conspiracy to cheat and, if found guilty, may each face a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Mr David Chew, director of SPF’s Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) said that the police have been working closely with their Malaysian counterparts to detect and cripple such transnational syndicates and thanked the Johor police “for their strong support and commitment in tackling transnational crime syndicates”.
“We will continue to take tough action against individuals who perpetuate scams even if they are based overseas,” he added.
It is understood that such “fake friend” scams typically involve scammers contacting victims through text messages or phone calls, pretending to be someone they know, and then asking for financial help.
SPF reminded members of the public of the threat posed by such scams and to be wary of such calls.
Woman scammed of $5,500 by someone who pretends to be S’pore actor Romeo Tan
Love scams, fake friends, what else ah? Scammers are getting more and more creative and they are really everywhere! We really need to be careful and also help to look out for the people around us, especially the vulnerable ones.
If you suspect anything or if you need to check for scam signs, remember to always check with official sources – such as the Scam Alert website – and call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-772-6688.
