Police warn of new luggage ad phishing scam that uses SIA's logo
Luggage advertisements on Facebook using the Singapore Airlines logo. The links on the post lead to a phishing website. (Images: Singapore Police Force)
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SINGAPORE: The police on Thursday (Dec 7) issued a warning about a new phishing scam that involves Facebook advertisements offering cheap luggage.
The Facebook advertisements or posts offer travel suitcases for as low as S$2 from "Singapore Airlines Travel". These accounts use Singapore Airlines' (SIA) logo as their profile picture.
Since November, 14 victims have fallen prey to this scam, with losses amounting to at least S$799 (US$597).
After clicking on the Facebook advertisement or post to buy the luggage, victims are directed to a phishing website and asked to provide their credentials, such as their name, email address and payment card details.
Their credit card details would then be misused by the scammers.
"Victims only realised that they had been scammed after they were notified about or discovered unauthorised transactions on their card statements," said the police.
The police advised members of the public to adopt precautionary measures such as installing the ScamShield app and enabling two-factor authentication for bank transactions.
"Look out for tell-tale signs of a phishing website and if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is, so check with the company on its official website if such deals are available," said the police.
"If in doubt, never share your personal information and payment card details with anyone."
In response to queries from CNA, an SIA spokesperson said it is aware of a Facebook account that was impersonating the airline and publishing fake advertisements.
It added that the Facebook page has since been removed.
"Scam sites and social media accounts impersonating SIA will be reported to the relevant authorities for removal," the spokesperson said.
SIA has posted an advisory about the scam on its Facebook page.
The spokesperson advised customers to only use the verified SIA website and mobile app for transactions related to the airline.
"Customers who believe they may have divulged their personal data or performed transactions on scam sites should promptly report this to their bank and the police," said the spokesperson.
