Spot common scams and get tips to protect yourself

At a Glance

See how scammers hook victims

We reveal the common tactics scammers use to trick you.

Learn to protect yourself against scams

Get useful tips to keep yourself safe online.

Recognise signs of common scam tactics

Spot them to better safeguard your sensitive information.

eCommerce scamWatch out for fake sellers or buyers who might trick you into revealing sensitive information.How they hook you

A scammer posts on online marketplaces and social media with too-good-to-be-true deals. They may also contact you claiming to be an interested “buyer”.

From there, they might send a link or a QR code to make or get payment. This can lead to a phishing site that asks for sensitive information such as bank account numbers and passwords.

They might also ask you to download an app for payment. This can be a malware app designed to steal your banking details.

How to protect yourself

If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research, check reviews and compare prices before hitting the buy button.

Only access online marketplaces and your bank app directly through official apps / websites. Don't click on links or scan QR codes from unknown sources.

Never share your digibank PIN, User ID or OTP with anyone. Your bank would never ask for your PIN, User ID, or OTP. If in doubt, verify the request through your bank's official hotline or website.

Install apps only from official app stores such as Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery.

Keep your phone's software updated. The latest security patches will make you less vulnerable to attacks.

Fake friend scamBeware of scammers who pretend to be someone you know to earn your trust and trick you.How they hook you

A scammer calls or messages you pretending to be someone you know, such as an old schoolmate, business partner or renovation contractor.

They usually call you by name and ask you to guess who they are. Whatever name you guess, they will assume that identity.

Sometimes, they may prey on your instinct to help a friend in need.

Once there is rapport, they might trick you into:

Transferring money to them as a “loan”, after which they will disappear.
Entering your details into a phishing website.
Downloading a malware app.

How to protect yourself

Be suspicious of calls from unknown numbers. Contact your friend through other channels or ways to verify if they really made the request.

Never click on suspicious links and open suspicious attachments, or scan QR codes from unknown sources.

Install apps only from official app stores such as Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery.

Never share your digibank PIN, User ID or OTP with anyone. Your bank would never ask for your PIN, User ID, or OTP. If in doubt, verify the request through your bank's official hotline or website.

Keep your phone's software updated. The latest security patches will make you less vulnerable to attacks.

Job scamWatch out for unsolicited “job offers” from unknown “employers”.How they hook you

A scammer contacts you via a messaging app or social media and makes a fake job offer supposedly from a well-known brand.

The “jobs” appear high-paying yet require little effort and can be done remotely.

You are required to register on a website or download an app to complete tasks.

You receive attractive commissions for completing tasks. However, you will first be asked to purchase these tasks by making transfers to unknown bank accounts.

Commissions are given for the first few tasks to make the job look legitimate.

One day, the scammer disappears with all the money.

How to protect yourself

Do not accept suspicious job offers that offer high pay for minimal effort.

Always verify the offer by checking the organization’s official website.

Never follow instructions from unknown numbers or install unverified programs or apps.

Never send money to anyone you do not know or have not met in person.

Never share your digibank PIN, User ID or OTP with anyone. Your bank would never ask for your PIN, User ID, or OTP. If in doubt, verify the request through your bank's official hotline or website.

Impersonation scamBeware of scammers who claim to be from DBS/POSB or government agencies.How they hook you

A scammer calls or messages claiming to be from DBS or POSB.

They will claim there are unauthorized login attempts or transactions in your bank account and provide a link to a phishing website that asks for sensitive information such as bank account numbers and passwords.

Some may claim to be from the government and even initiate video calls while wearing outfits similar to those worn by police officers, asking for details such as mobile number, DBS digibank login credentials and OTPs.

The scammer will then access your bank accounts and steal your money.

How to protect yourself

Verify every request with the bank’s or government agency’s official hotline or website. DBS/POSB will never send links to websites in our SMSs and emails. Government agencies will never obtain information from you via messaging apps.

Never click on suspicious links and open suspicious attachments, or scan QR codes from unknown sources.

Install apps only from official app stores such as Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery.

Never disclose your personal or banking details to anyone. Your bank would never ask for your PIN, User ID, or OTP.

Phishing ScamWatch out for fake websites that look real and ask for your personal or banking details.How they hook you

A scammer sets up a fake phishing website that looks similar to a DBS/POSB Internet banking website.

They contact you via SMS, email, WhatsApp or other messaging platforms (e.g. makes a fake job offer or pretends to be an old friend) and persuade you to visit the phishing site to key in your personal or banking details.

The scammer will then access your bank accounts and steal your money.

How to protect yourself

Verify every request with the bank’s official hotline or website. DBS/POSB will never send links to websites in our SMSs and emails.

Never click on suspicious links and open suspicious attachments, or scan QR codes from unknown sources.

Never disclose your personal or banking details to anyone. Your bank would never ask for your PIN, User ID, or OTP.

Malware ThreatsBeware of requests to download suspicious apps from unknown sources.How they hook you

A scammer creates fake ads on social media that offer enticing deals for home services (e.g. home cleaning services, aircon maintenance, pet grooming) or food items (e.g. herbal chicken, ikan bilis, durians) to lure you in.

The scammer then sends you a link or QR code that tricks you into downloading an app not found on official app stores such as Apple App Store or Google Play.

Once installed on your device, the app would allow scammer to steal or trick you into giving away your banking credentials.

How to protect yourself

Keep your phone software updated with the latest security patches and use an antivirus software from a reputable store.

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do not be tempted by such deals.

Never scan QR codes, open links or download apps from unknown sources.

Install apps only from official stores such as Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery. For android users, please do not disable Google Play Protect or adjust your mobile device settings i.e. enabling accessibility permission.

Verify every request with the bank’s official hotline or website. DBS/POSB will never send links to websites in our SMSs and emails.