Scam Prevention

How to Tell If a PayNow Request Is a Scam

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How to Tell If a PayNow Request Is a Scam

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How to Tell If a PayNow Request Is a Scam: A Singaporean’s Guide to Staying Safe

Introduction

PayNow has transformed the way Singaporeans transfer money: fast, convenient and widely accepted. But with convenience comes risk. Scammers are increasingly using PayNow requests and QR codes to trick people into sending money or sharing personal details.

This guide explains how PayNow works, the scam techniques to watch for in Singapore, the warning signs of a fraudulent request, practical checks before sending money, and what to do if you suspect fraud. Whether you’re paying at a hawker stall, helping a friend or running a small business, these tips will help protect both your money and your identity.

How PayNow Works 

  • Links your Singapore-registered mobile number, NRIC/FIN or corporate UEN to your bank account

  • Enables instant fund transfers through participating banks and e-wallets such as GrabPay or Singtel Dash

  • Supports individual transfers, PayNow Corporate for businesses, and QR code payments

Why PayNow Appeals to Scammers

  • Instant transfers: once money is sent, it is rarely reversible

  • Everyday use: familiarity lowers suspicion

  • Social engineering: criminals impersonate trusted contacts, businesses or even government bodies to create pressure and urgency

Common PayNow Scams in Singapore

1. Impersonation scams

  • Criminals pose as friends, family or colleagues claiming an emergency.

  • Fraudsters pretend to be from a bank, police or government agency, citing “account issues” and requesting payment.

2. Refund PayNow Scams

  • A fake “refund” for an overpayment leads to money being siphoned from your account.

3. E-commerce Scams

  • Buyers or sellers request PayNow outside the platform and vanish once funds are transferred.

  • Fake invoices or purchase notices trick victims into paying.

4. QR Code Scams

  • Fraudsters replace legitimate QR codes with their own.

  • Posters offering “promotions” or “discounts” redirect payments to scammers.

5. Investment and Job Scams

  • Promises of guaranteed returns or job placement fees payable through PayNow.

6. Phishing links

  • Clicking a malicious link brings you to a fake PayNow page, stealing your credentials.

Red flags that a PayNow request may be fraudulent

  1. The name shown in your banking app does not match the person or company you expect.

  2. You are pressured to pay immediately with emotional or urgent language.

  3. You are asked to keep the transaction secret or bypass official channels.

  4. The message comes from an unknown number or unexpected contact.

  5. Payment notes contain vague, suspicious or irrelevant details.

  6. QR codes look tampered with, misplaced or show the wrong merchant name.

  7. Offers are too good to be true — deep discounts or free vouchers requiring instant PayNow transfers.

  8. You are asked to send money and then return a portion.

Step-by-step checks before confirming a PayNow request

  1. Pause — take your time before sending money.

  2. Confirm identity via a known number or official hotline.

  3. Check the PayNow name carefully.

  4. Review the message for grammar errors, strange links or odd phrasing.

  5. Cross-check invoices and orders with official records.

  6. Use PayNow Corporate UENs and verify the business on Scam.SG before paying.

  7. Choose alternative payment methods if something feels off.

How merchants can protect customers

  • Display laminated QR codes in secure spots to prevent tampering

  • Add signage reminding customers to verify merchant names

  • Report suspicious activity and use CCTV where possible

  • Offer card or alternative payment options to reduce reliance on QR codes

Real-world examples of PayNow QR Code Scam

  • Hawker stall swap: a sticker covers the original QR code, redirecting payments.

  • “Family emergency” on WhatsApp: unknown numbers claim urgent medical costs and ask you not to call directly.

  • Job placement fees: illegitimate agencies demand upfront PayNow fees.

What to do if you suspect a PayNow scam

  1. If you haven’t paid yet: stop immediately.

  2. If you already transferred funds:

    • Contact your bank without delay.

    • File a police report online or at your nearest police post.

    • Preserve evidence such as screenshots and messages.

    • Report to ScamShield and Scam.SG.

  3. Warn others — let family, friends and community groups know.

How Singapore is fighting back

  • Banks are improving fraud detection but PayNow’s speed limits reversibility.

  • MAS and the government continue public education campaigns.

  • The police publish scam advisories and encourage quick reporting.

Prevention checklist

  • Pause: do not rush.

  • Verify: confirm identity through trusted sources such as ScamShield & Scam.SG.

  • Inspect: check the PayNow name before approving.

  • Never share: keep OTPs and passwords private.

Conclusion

PayNow is convenient but convenience should never replace caution. Scammers exploit urgency, trust and confusion to take advantage of people. By following the checks in this guide and staying vigilant, you can enjoy the convenience of PayNow while protecting your money and identity.

Stay informed and spread the word: the best defence against PayNow scams is a well-informed community. If you or someone you know falls victim, report it quickly and share your experience at Scam.SG so others can learn.

Stay updated on the latest scam tactics and prevention guides at Scam.SG. Share this article to protect your family, friends and community.