The communication between the second scammer and the victim could subsequently be moved to messaging applications such as WhatsApp, police said.
“In some instances, the scammers may provide fake warrant cards or fake official documents to lend credence to their deceit.
“The scammers would accuse the victim of being involved in criminal activities such as money laundering and ask the victim to transfer monies to ‘safety accounts’ designated by the government to assist in investigations,” said SPF.
The victims would only realise that they had been scammed when the “officials” became uncontactable or when they sought verification of the status of their cases with the banks or the police.
“The Police take a serious view of these offences and will not hesitate to take action against individuals who may be involved in scams, and perpetrators will be sternly dealt with in accordance with the law,” SPF warned.
According to guidelines issued by the Sentencing Advisory Panel, those who allow their bank accounts or Singpass credentials to be used in facilitating scams should be sentenced to at least six months of jail.
“The courts also have the discretion to enhance sentences if there are aggravating factors, such as the involvement of vulnerable victims,” the police said.
