Sat Sep 14 04:55:48 UTC 2024: ## Singapore Customs Warns of Impersonation Scam Targeting Public
Singapore Customs has issued a public warning against a circulating SMS scam impersonating the agency. The scam, using the sender ID “S.G. Customs,” falsely claims to be from Singapore Customs and requests personal information to release “detained parcels.”
Singapore Customs clarified that they do not use “SGCustoms” or any variations in their official identity or social media platforms. The agency also highlighted the new government initiative to use a single “gov.sg” SMS sender ID for all official messages from government agencies, effective July 1st.
The scam SMS contains a suspicious link designed to deceive victims into revealing personal information. Singapore Customs emphasizes that they never send text messages requesting personal information for the release of goods.
The agency urges the public to exercise caution and be vigilant against such scams. People are advised to:
* **Ignore the instructions in the scam SMS.**
* **Refrain from making any payments.**
* **Verify the sender’s identity before responding.**
* **Never open any links in suspicious SMSes.**
* **Never provide personal details, including NRIC, passport details, contact information, bank account, or credit card details.**
To further protect against impersonation scams, over nine million SMS messages have been sent from government agencies using the “gov.sg” sender ID since June 18th.
Anyone unsure about the authenticity of an SMS claiming to be from Singapore Customs can contact the agency at customs_feedback@customs.gov.sg. More information on gov.sg SMSes can be found at sms.gov.sg.
First Piper 