Update: Police Issue Warning on Ongoing Video Call Phishing Scam

The RCIPS has noted an increase in reports of the suspected phishing scam involving suspects making video calls and claiming to be law enforcement.

It is reported that the suspects have now changed their tactics and are claiming that the victims’ debit cards have been tampered with. Victims are then instructed to click a suspicious link and follow instructions provided by the caller.

Since the initial report on Monday, 13 July, a quantity of cash has been reported stolen from the bank account of one victim after the victim clicked a suspicious link provided by the suspect. Police have received other reports where potential victims recognised the scam, immediately ended the call and contacted their financial institutions.

The suspect(s) is described as wearing a face covering, believed to be a hospital mask, and claiming to be “Police” or “Immigration” during the video call.

Police are appealing to anyone who has received a similar suspicious video call to report the matter to the nearest police station.

Members of the public are reminded to take the following precautions:

*   Never share personal, banking or identification information during an unsolicited phone or video call.

*   Never click on links provided by unknown callers.

*   If you do not recognise the phone number, do not answer the video call and block the number.

*   Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions

*   If you identify any unauthorised transactions, contact your bank immediately and report the matter to the nearest police station.

*   Additionally, when conducting your personal financial transactions, it is advised not use public WI-FI to do so, as your personal information, including banking and card details, can be potentially be accessed by other persons while using unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

The matter remains under police investigation.