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AsiaOne
01-06-2025
- AsiaOne
'It can happen to you': Doctor who almost lost $4m to fake government officials scam, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — While seeing a patient, Dr L (not her real name) received a call from someone claiming to be a Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) officer working with the police. The man told her she was in trouble with the authorities. Following his instructions, Dr L, 36, wanted to transfer almost $4 million from her bank account to another account for 'safekeeping', in what she thought was a secret anti-money laundering operation. But as she was communicating with the fake official in a video call, a real policewoman called her to warn her that she was talking to scammers. Confused, Dr L struggled to discern who was lying and who was telling the truth. In a media interview arranged by the police on May 28 at Police Cantonment Complex, Dr L said the scammers were very convincing. The general practitioner said: 'I wasn't even second-guessing whether the person (fake cop) I was speaking to was really the police.' Thankfully, she trusted the legitimate authorities and did not lose any money. Sharing screen On April 8, a man with a local accent claiming to be a bank officer called Dr L just as she started her shift at a private clinic. She was not a client of the bank and was surprised to hear the man read the last four digits of her NRIC. He told her someone had used her identity to register a bank card. Her call was transferred to a purported MAS officer. Through a video call, she saw that he was sitting in a meeting room with a backdrop with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and MAS logos. He claimed she was one of about 200 people who had their identities stolen, and that she was a suspect in a nationwide money laundering investigation. The man spoke into a walkie-talkie and referred her to his superior, a purported senior investigation officer named 'Alan Tan', who sent her an arrest warrant on WhatsApp and a photo of his MAS identification card. [[nid:718334]] 'Alan Tan' said gravely: 'If your identity has been stolen, what else is at risk now? Is the money in your account safe?' Dr L, who is single, grew anxious as her parents' life savings were in the account. She said: 'To be honest, I was more worried about protecting my parents' money.' The scammers told her not to tell anyone as investigations were confidential. So for the next two hours, she locked her consultation room door and stayed on the line. She added: 'With a profession like mine, cooperation with the authorities is seen as a sign of good character.' 'Alan Tan' told her to transfer her money to another bank account to prevent identity thieves from accessing it. Dr L opened the bank app on her phone and shared her screen over WhatsApp for him to guide her through the transfer process. Believing she was setting up a bank account in her name, Dr L followed his instructions to transfer $29,999. She later learnt from the real police that the funds were being transferred to an account belonging to an unknown merchant. Battle for trust Bank employees stationed at the SPF's Anti-Scam Command flagged the transfer and quickly alerted Assistant Superintendent of Police Lynn Tan, a senior investigation officer working in the same office. The bank blocked the transfer and ASP Tan immediately called Dr L. Dr L was still on a video call with 'Alan Tan' when ASP Tan's call came in. Seeing the notification on Dr L's shared screen, 'Alan Tan' told her to answer it but warned that there were scammers impersonating the police. Hesitantly, Dr L hung up on the scammers and answered ASP Tan's call. ASP Tan said: 'I could tell she was very confused, because she thought I was the fake police.' Assistant Superintendent of Police Lynn Tan, a senior investigation officer in SPF's Anti-Scam Command, called Dr L in time and convinced her she had fallen for a scam. PHOTO: Lianhe Zaobao To win Dr L's trust, ASP Tan sent her an SMS via the account, which is accessible only to legitimate government officials. ASP Tan asked Dr L if she had been speaking to 'Alan Tan', a name commonly used by syndicates. Other names include 'Inspector Yang', 'Jason' and 'Kenny'. Finally convinced, Dr L ignored the scammers' subsequent calls. She headed to Police Cantonment Complex to meet ASP Tan, and lodged a report. Dr L said: 'The main feeling I have is gratitude, for the police working with the bank to protect us.' The doctor was surprised at how she had fallen for a scam, as she typically ignores calls from foreign numbers, and is not into investment schemes promising quick gains. To highly educated people who assume they would not fall for scams, Dr L said: 'It can happen to you.' In 2024, victims lost $151.3 million to government official impersonation scams, up from $92.5 million in 2023. ASP Tan urged members of the public to always verify details of people claiming to be government officials through official channels. She said the police would never ask anyone to open bank accounts or transfer money. ASP Tan added: 'I don't think this (government official impersonation scams) will die down any time soon. We need people to be educated and to be aware.' ALSO READ: DBS staff, police stop 2 victims from losing $820k to government official impersonation scams This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Can we go paperless for domestic worker medical checks?
Forum: Can we go paperless for domestic worker medical checks? I recently brought my domestic worker for her six-monthly medical examination (6ME), only to realise I had forgotten to print out the required physical form. The clinic charged me $1 to print it. This may seem like a minor inconvenience and small cost, but it highlights a larger issue: In this age of digitalisation, sustainability and operational efficiency, why are we still relying on physical forms for such routine procedures? Government services have made tremendous strides in going paperless – from Singpass and MyICA to digital driving licences and e-poll cards. Yet, for the 6ME, employers are still expected to download and print a hard-copy form to take to the clinic. This is not only environmentally unfriendly but also inefficient. A digital solution would benefit everyone involved. Clinics should be able to retrieve the 6ME form electronically via the worker's FIN or employer's NRIC number. This reduces the chance of forgotten documents, eliminates unnecessary charges and streamlines the process for clinic staff. It also reduces paper usage, a step in the right direction for sustainability. Let's move towards smarter, greener and more efficient ways of doing things. Charging $1 for a forgotten printout may seem small, but it reflects an outdated system that needs a digital upgrade. Martin Lee Ming Han More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
20-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
CPF members making online nominations must use biometrics as part of anti-scam measures
SINGAPORE: Central Provident Fund (CPF) members making an online nomination will have to use their biometrics from May as part of additional security measures, the CPF Board said on Tuesday (May 20). The measures are on top of existing anti-scam measures, including the CPF Withdrawal Lock and a 12-hour cooling period for increases to the daily withdrawal limit for online withdrawals. The CPF Board also announced that all outbound calls have been consolidated into a single number. Since end-April, all calls from the CPF Board have been made from 6227 1188. For missed calls, CPF members will get a SMS or an email from an address ending with @ or @ with callback details. The board said the consolidation into a single number aims to help people easily verify the authenticity of calls from the authority. It has been whitelisted in the ScamShield application. This move builds on its efforts in December last year where outbound calls came from two numbers – 6227 1188 and 6202 3388. PREVENTING SCAMS Scammers impersonating government officials may cite personal information, such as names or NRIC numbers, to appear legitimate, said the CPF Board. "Do not automatically trust someone just because they have your personal information," it added. "Scammers may also call your mobile phone or landline to claim that there are issues with your CPF or Singpass account, or alleged criminal activities such as money laundering associated with your account, and request personal details." If personal details are needed, CPF Board staff will use Singpass to verify members' identities, it said. Government officials will never ask people to transfer money, disclose bank login details, install mobile apps from unofficial app stores or transfer calls to the police. CPF members aged 55 and above can enhance the security of their CPF savings by activating the CPF Withdrawal Lock, which disables online CPF withdrawals when they have no immediate plans to withdraw, the board said. Those who are receiving CPF payouts into their personal bank accounts can consider activating the banks' Money Lock to safeguard their bank savings. 'Members who suspect they have fallen prey to a scam involving their CPF savings should freeze their bank accounts, reset their Singpass password and activate the CPF Withdrawal Lock to disable online CPF withdrawals immediately,' the board said. 'They should also make a police report immediately and inform CPF Board.' In 2024, at least S$1.1 billion (US$850 million) was lost to scams – a 70.6 per cent rise from 2023, according to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) annual statistics. The total number of scam cases also rose by 10.6 per cent to 51,501 cases in 2024. Of these, self-effected transfers, where individuals willingly transferred money to scammers, accounted for 82.4 per cent last year.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SM Teo Chee Hean's contributions left indelible mark on Singapore, says PM Wong
SINGAPORE – Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean's contributions to defence, climate action, diplomacy and security have left an indelible mark and helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In a valedictory letter to SM Teo on May 6, PM Wong thanked him for his lifetime of service to Singapore and expressed his appreciation for his unwavering service and dedication to the nation and its people. SM Teo, 70, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, is stepping down from the Cabinet and politics. Both he and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat confirmed their retirement from politics on April 23, which was Nomination Day. 'You dedicated your entire 53-year career to safeguarding and advancing the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans,' PM Wong said in the letter. Thanking the Prime Minister for his kind thoughts and words, SM Teo said in a social media post on the same day that all he tried to do was to serve Singapore and Singaporeans as well as he could. 'I thank each and every one of the many colleagues, partners and volunteers who were on this journey together; without you, we would not have travelled so far on this fruitful and fulfilling journey,' he said. 'Many thanks for the honour and privilege to have served.' In his letter, PM Wong said SM Teo led work on important and difficult issues with rigour and thoughtfulness. This included implementing the recommendations of the Constitutional Commission to review specific aspects of the elected presidency in 2016 and taking the related constitutional amendments through in Parliament. Most recently, he conducted the review of the use of NRIC numbers in the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's Bizfile service, delivering a 'thorough and definitive account in Parliament on what went wrong and how we could do better'. 'You approached each of these demanding assignments with thoroughness and clarity, never hesitating to hold individuals accountable when necessary, and making sure that the Government will always have the moral courage and conviction to do the right thing, and to do right by Singapore,' PM Wong wrote. SM Teo's leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic was invaluable and exemplary, PM Wong added. At the national level, SM Teo led efforts to manage the outbreak in migrant worker dormitories – responding swiftly and steadily to an urgent and potentially dangerous crisis. 'You were calm and composed under pressure, and you inspired the civil servants and SAF officers who worked with you during those difficult days,' PM Wong said. 'In the community, you ensured residents remained connected through online town halls and community forums, despite the restrictions on physical gatherings.' SM Teo's efforts to preserve a sense of community during those challenging times were deeply felt and appreciated by residents, he said. SM Teo started out as a navy officer in 1972 and rose through the ranks, eventually leaving the armed forces as chief of navy in 1992 to enter politics. His dedication to the nation continued throughout his political career, 16 years of which were spent at the Ministry of Defence in various capacities. As defence minister from 2003 to 2011, SM Teo's visionary leadership was pivotal to the third-generation transformation of the Singapore Armed Forces, PM Wong said. The acquisition of advanced equipment for land, sea and air combat, and his foresight in creating an integrated and networked force enabled servicemen and servicewomen to fight more effectively. Because of these efforts, the SAF is now equipped with the cutting-edge capabilities it needs to meet evolving security challenges, PM Wong added. SM Teo also led the SAF to make operational deployments for Singapore's security. In the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the SAF mounted Operation Flying Eagle to provide Indonesia and Thailand with aid. This remains the largest humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation undertaken by the SAF, said PM Wong. Under SM Teo's watch, the SAF also contributed to peace operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden to support peace and security in regions of the world that have an impact on Singapore. Beyond strengthening military capabilities, SM Teo has fostered strong ties with the Republic's defence partners, PM Wong noted. He worked with his counterparts to establish the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus in 2010, which has become a major platform for security cooperation and dialogue between Asean member states and eight partner countries. He also played a key role in developing the Shangri-La Dialogue into the premier defence forum for the Asia-Pacific. When SM Teo went to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011, he began transforming the Home Team, accelerating the integration of technology to speed up and strengthen police and civil defence responses. He also enhanced the capacity of the Home Team through community partnerships, tapping Singaporeans as ears and eyes on the ground to help fight crime, counter radicalisation and terrorism, and be first responders in fire and medical emergencies. He kept abreast of the scourge of cyber attacks and cybercrimes by setting up the Singapore Police Force's Cybercrime Command. In 2011, he was appointed coordinating minister for national security, taking on the critical task of ensuring that Singapore's external and domestic security strategies are well-integrated and forward-looking, PM Wong said. He led the work to establish the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to deal with cyber threats. He also set the direction for the Home Affairs and Defence ministries to work in closer collaboration. 'Beyond defence and security, you made a lasting impact on generations of young Singaporeans,' PM Wong said. As minister for education, SM Teo drove bold and necessary reforms to prepare Singapore for a knowledge-based economy. One major shift was to update the primary, secondary and junior college curriculums to better develop thinking, communication and process skills. He steered reviews of the mother tongue language curriculum, leading to the introduction of new syllabuses to better suit the needs of students. He also initiated single-session primary schools and freed up space and time for students to participate in a wider range of co-curricular and enrichment activities – enhancing not just academic outcomes, but also students' affective, social and physical development. As deputy prime minister and later as senior minister, SM Teo brought his wealth of experience and sharp strategic mind to bear on critical national issues, PM Wong said. 'You never hesitated to speak your mind and voice different views in Cabinet, making our discussions more robust,' he noted. SM Teo chaired many committees on complex and cross-cutting matters, including the existential issue of climate change. In this role, he coordinated Singapore's climate action efforts, balancing tough trade-offs to formulate practical net-zero goals. 'You represented Singapore with distinction on the global stage, furthering Singapore's relations with key partners,' said PM Wong. As Singapore's co-chair of the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation with China, he oversaw the establishment of its third government-to-government project, the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. He was also instrumental in establishing the Singapore-China Forum on Leadership and the Singapore-China Social Governance Forum, which have broadened bilateral cooperation and provided platforms for the younger generation of leaders on both sides to build strong ties. With Indonesia, SM Teo guided sensitive negotiations that successfully concluded three landmark agreements – the Flight Information Region Agreement, the Extradition Treaty and the Defence Cooperation Agreement – resolving three complex, longstanding bilateral issues. 'You helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, and created space and opportunities for our country internationally,' PM Wong said. On the ground, SM Teo has served his residents for more than three decades. He was first elected in the 1992 Marine Parade GRC by-election as a member of then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's team, before moving to contest in Pasir Ris GRC during the 1997 General Election. He has been re-elected there five times since, a clear testament to his residents' trust in him, said PM Wong. 'As the steadfast anchor for the Pasir Ris-Punggol team, you provided unwavering stability and leadership,' he said. 'Your residents appreciate your proactive, practical and thoughtful approach to ground issues – addressing their concerns, improving their lives, and creating a strong sense of community.' They saw the benefits of impactful developments, such as the opening of facilities including Pasir Ris Mall and Pasir Ris Polyclinic, as well as social schemes such as the Pasir Ris-Punggol Career Marketplace done in partnership with the NTUC, he added. SM Teo was also a trusted mentor to new PAP MPs, instilling in them his deep sense of duty and service, PM Wong said. 'Your dedication to nurturing future leaders, both within your GRC team and the wider party, speaks to your belief in long-term leadership renewal,' said PM Wong. 'As first assistant secretary-general of the PAP in 2015, you played a key role in the party's leadership transition and charting its future direction.' PM Wong said that when he entered politics in 2011, SM Teo was already a seasoned leader. 'I have benefited greatly from your generous guidance and wise counsel. If I can take Singapore forward from here, it is only because earlier generations of leaders like you have worked hard to safeguard our future.' He added: 'My team and I will do our utmost to continue your ethos – protecting what we have built, and bringing Singapore onward and upward.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. 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Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
SM Teo Chee Hean's contributions left indelible mark on S'pore, says PM Wong
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, 70, is stepping down from Cabinet and politics. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE - Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean's contributions in defence, climate action, diplomacy and security have left an indelible mark and helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In a valedictory letter to SM Teo on May 6, PM Wong thanked SM Teo for his lifetime of service for Singapore, and expressed his appreciation for his unwavering service and dedication to the nation and its people. SM Teo, 70, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, is stepping down from Cabinet and politics. PM Wong had paid tribute to him and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is also retiring, on Nomination Day on April 23. 'You dedicated your entire 53-year career to safeguarding and advancing the interests of Singapore and Singaporeans,' PM Wong said in the letter . Thanking PM Wong for his kind thoughts and words, SM Teo said in a social media post on the same day that all he tried to do was to serve Singapore and Singaporeans as well as he could. 'I thank each and every one of the many colleagues, partners and volunteers who were on this journey together; without you we would not have travelled so far on this fruitful and fulfilling journey,' he said. 'Many thanks for the honour and privilege to have served.' In his letter, PM Wong said SM Teo led work on important and difficult issues with rigour and thoughtfulness. This included implementing the recommendations of the Constitutional Commission to review specific aspects of the Elected Presidency in 2016 , and taking the related Constitutional amendments through in Parliament. Most recently, he conducted the review of the use of NRIC numbers in the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's Bizfile service, delivering a 'thorough and definitive account in Parliament on what went wrong and how we could do better'. 'You approached each of these demanding assignments with thoroughness and clarity, never hesitating to hold individuals accountable when necessary, and making sure that the Government will always have the moral courage and conviction to do the right thing, and to do right by Singapore,' he wrote. SM Teo's leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic was invaluable and exemplary, PM Wong added. At the national level, SM Teo led efforts to manage the outbreak in migrant worker dormitories – responding swiftly and steadily to an urgent and potentially dangerous crisis. 'You were calm and composed under pressure, and you inspired the civil servants and SAF officers who worked with you during those difficult days,' he said. 'In the community, you ensured residents remained connected through online town halls and community forums, despite the restrictions on physical gatherings.' SM Teo's efforts to preserve a sense of community during those challenging times were deeply felt and appreciated by residents, he said. SM Teo started out as a navy officer in 1972 and rose through the ranks, eventually leaving the armed forces as Chief of Navy in 1992 to enter politics. His dedication to the nation continued throughout his political career, 16 years of which were spent at the Ministry of Defence in various capacities. As Defence Minister from 2003 to 2011, his visionary leadership was pivotal to the Third Generation transformation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), PM Wong said. The acquisition of advanced equipment for land, sea and air combat, and his foresight in creating an integrated and networked force, enabled servicemen and servicewomen to fight more effectively. Because of these efforts, the SAF is now equipped with the cutting-edge capabilities it needs to meet evolving security challenges, PM Wong added. SM Teo also led the SAF to make operational deployments for Singapore's security. In the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the SAF mounted Operation Flying Eagle to provide aid to Indonesia and Thailand. This remains the largest humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation undertaken by SAF, said PM Wong. Under SM Teo's watch, the SAF also contributed to peace operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden to support peace and security in regions of the world which have an impact on Singapore. Beyond strengthening military capabilities, SM Teo has fostered strong ties with the Republic's defence partners. He worked with his counterparts to establish the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in 2010, which has become a major platform for security cooperation and dialogue between Asean member states and the eight partner countries. He also played a key role in developing the Shangri-La Dialogue into the premier defence forum for the Asia-Pacific. When SM Teo went to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2011, he began transforming the Home Team, accelerating the integration of technology to speed up and strengthen police and civil defence responses. He also enhanced the capacity of Singapore's Home Team through community partnerships, tapping on Singaporeans as ears and eyes on the ground to help fight crime, counter radicalisation and terrorism, and be first responders in fire and medical emergencies. He kept abreast of the scourge of cyberattacks and cybercrimes by setting up the Singapore Police Force's Cybercrime Command. In 2011, he was appointed Coordinating Minister for National Security, taking on the critical task of ensuring that Singapore's external and domestic security strategies are well-integrated and forward-looking. He led the work to establish the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) to deal with cyber threats. He also set the direction for the Home Affairs and Defence ministries to work in closer collaboration. 'Beyond defence and security, you made a lasting impact on generations of young Singaporeans,' PM Wong said. As Minister for Education, SM Teo drove bold and necessary reforms to prepare Singapore for a knowledge-based economy. One major shift was to update the primary, secondary and junior college curricula to better develop thinking, communication and process skills. He steered reviews of the Mother Tongue Languages curriculum, leading to the introduction of new syllabuses to better suit the needs of students. He also initiated single-session primary schools and freed up space and time for students to participate in a wider range of co-curricular and enrichment activities – enhancing not just academic outcomes, but also students' affective, social and physical development. As Deputy Prime Minister and later as Senior Minister, SM Teo brought his wealth of experience and sharp strategic mind to bear on critical national issues. 'You never hesitated to speak your mind and voice different views in Cabinet, making our discussions more robust,' said PM Wong He chaired multiple committees on complex and cross-cutting matters, including on the existential issue of climate change. In this role, he coordinated Singapore's climate action efforts, balancing tough trade-offs to formulate practical net-zero goals. 'You represented Singapore with distinction on the global stage, furthering Singapore's relations with key partners,' said PM Wong. As Singapore's Co-Chair of the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation with China, he oversaw the establishment of its third Government-to-Government project, the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative. He was also instrumental in establishing the Singapore-China Forum on Leadership and the Singapore-China Social Governance Forum, which have broadened bilateral cooperation and provided platforms for the younger generation of leaders on both sides to build strong ties. With Indonesia, SM Teo guided sensitive negotiations that successfully concluded three landmark agreements – the Flight Information Region Agreement, the Extradition Treaty, and the Defence Cooperation Agreement – resolving three complex, long-standing bilateral issues. 'You helped Singapore to stand tall in the world, and created space and opportunities for our country internationally,' he said. On the ground, SM Teo has served his residents for over three decades. He was first elected in the 1992 Marine Parade GRC by-election as a member of then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's team, before moving to contest in Pasir Ris GRC during the 1997 general election. He has been re-elected there five times since, a clear testament to his residents' trust in him, said PM Wong. 'As the steadfast anchor for the Pasir Ris-Punggol team, you provided unwavering stability and leadership,' he said. 'Your residents appreciate your proactive, practical and thoughtful approach to ground issues – addressing their concerns, improving their lives, and creating a strong sense of community.' They saw the benefits of impactful developments, such as the opening of facilities like Pasir Ris Mall and Pasir Ris Polyclinic, as well as social schemes such as the Pasir Ris-Punggol Career Marketplace done in partnership with the NTUC, he added. SM Teo was also a trusted mentor to new PAP MPs, instilling in them his deep sense of duty and service, PM Wong said. 'Your dedication to nurturing future leaders, both within your GRC team and the wider Party, speaks to your belief in long-term leadership renewal,' said PM Wong. 'As First Assistant Secretary General of the PAP in 2015, you played a key role in the Party's leadership transition and charting its future direction.' PM Wong said that when he entered politics in 2011, SM Teo was already a seasoned leader. 'I have benefitted greatly from your generous guidance and wise counsel. If I can take Singapore forward from here, it is only because earlier generations of leaders like you have worked hard to safeguard our future.' He added: 'My team and I will do our utmost to continue your ethos – protecting what we have built, and bringing Singapore onward and upward.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
