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Shared advice from the Singapore Police Force And IRAS regarding scams involving SingPass and IRAS links

1. Phishing scams are rising and seem to target Singaporeans more than before. In July 2022, at least 51 people had fallen to scammers who pretended to be from IRAS. It’s been a total of at least $37,400.

2. The scam occurs in the following sequence:

• Public members would receive unsolicited SMSes containing “IRAS” in the sender’s name. Following the embedded link, the messages direct people to urgently complete their IRAS tax review/inspection.

• Upon clicking on the link in the SMS, the victims would be sent to a spoofed Singpass login page, where they would be asked to enter their Singpass ID and password.

• In their newest prank, scammers set up a spoofed IRAS webpage, and then they would redirect victims to another fake IRAS login page. Eventually, the victims are fooled into submitting their Singpass credentials (username and password).

• Victims are requested to do things like enter their online banking credentials and text codes rather than get notifications. Victims typically only notice when there is a charge for unauthorized use that is made from the account

3. Phishing scams continuously evolve, and the authorities’ job is becoming increasingly difficult. To reduce difficulties for the authorities, we need to be vigilant and cautious while surfing the internet. The Police and IRAS advise members of the public to be on heightened alert and to follow these crime prevention measures: 

• IRAS doesn’t send SMS messages with links requesting your login information (passwords and Singpass login information);

• Always use the official IRAS website to confirm the validity of claims that your income tax status is in question;

• Make that the address bar contains the ‘lock’ icon and that the Singpass website domain you are accessing is singpass.gov.sg. For a sample of the actual Singpass log-in page, please see the Annex;

• To be swiftly informed of suspicious log-ins, such as when login on a new device or Internet browser is discovered, users should make it a point to update their contact data registered with Singpass and enable notifications via their Singpass app;

• Only websites that finish in “.gov.sg” should be used for logging into government services. Check the list of reputable websites to see if the link you received ends in “.gov.sg”;

• Never give anyone your personal information, Internet banking credentials, or OTPs; and

• Any fraudulent transactions must be immediately reported to your bank.

4. You have any information relating to such crimes, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at I-Witness  . If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.

5. For more information on scams, members of the public can visit 

ScamAlert – Bringing you the latest scam info  or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Join the ‘Spot the Signs. Be a part of the Fight the Scams campaign by signing up as an advocate at Let’s Fight Scams  and share messages with your family and friends for added support. Let’s work together to stop scams and prevent our loved ones from being victimized.

To learn more about Singapore incorporation, economy, banking, etc., feel free to call/WhatsApp us at +65 90612851 or email us at aceglobalacct@gmail.com. Alternatively, you may leave us a reply using our contact form below.

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