Scammers in Singapore are constantly refining their tactics to appear more convincing. In recent months, a new variant has emerged that uses video calls to impersonate police officers. Unlike traditional scam phone calls or suspicious text messages, this method attempts to exploit visual trust by placing victims face-to-face with someone who appears to be an authority figure.
According to recent advisories, victims have received unsolicited video calls via Google Meet from individuals dressed in police uniforms who claimed they were conducting investigations. These scammers requested banking credentials and one-time passwords (OTPs), leading to unauthorised transactions once victims complied. At least 13 such cases were reported within a short period, resulting in losses exceeding S$32,000.
This development highlights how impersonation scams are evolving beyond voice calls and emails into real-time visual deception. Understanding how these scams operate is the first step towards staying protected.
What Is a Scam?
A scam is a deliberate attempt to deceive individuals into giving away money, personal information or access to their accounts under false pretences. Scammers often impersonate trusted organisations such as banks, government agencies or delivery companies to gain credibility quickly.
In Singapore, impersonation scams involving government officials remain particularly dangerous because they rely on fear, urgency and authority. Victims are often pressured into acting quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
The fake police video call scam is part of a broader category known as government official impersonation scams, where criminals pretend to represent law enforcement agencies to manipulate victims into compliance.
The Scam Variant: Fake Police Officers on Video Calls
Traditionally, scammers pretending to be police officers relied on phone calls or emails. However, the newer approach involves live video interaction, which makes the deception more convincing.
In this scam variant, victims receive unexpected invitations to join a video call. Once connected, they see someone wearing what appears to be a police uniform. In some cases, scammers also use profile images containing police logos or email addresses that include words such as “Singapore” or “Police” to reinforce credibility.
During the call, victims are told that:
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their bank accounts are under investigation
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their cards have been linked to suspicious activity
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they must assist in an urgent police inquiry
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they need to verify their identity immediately
The scammers then request sensitive details such as:
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internet banking usernames
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passwords
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card information
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One Time Passwords (OTPs)
Victims typically realise something is wrong only after noticing unauthorised transactions in their accounts.
Why Video Calls Make the Scam More Convincing
Video calls create a strong sense of legitimacy. Many people naturally trust what they can see, especially when someone appears in uniform.
Scammers take advantage of this psychological effect by:
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wearing imitation uniforms
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displaying official-looking logos
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using formal language
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creating urgency through investigation claims
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presenting themselves confidently as authority figures
Some scammers even introduce themselves using names similar to real officers or claim victims are linked to criminal activities such as money laundering. This combination of visual authority and emotional pressure makes victims more likely to comply without verification.
Real Cases Reported in Singapore
The recent advisory highlighted multiple confirmed cases involving fake police video calls.
Victims received unsolicited invitations to join online meetings where scammers appeared dressed as officers and requested confidential banking details. In several instances, victims shared OTPs during the calls, believing they were cooperating with official investigations. The deception became apparent only after money was transferred without authorisation.
Earlier advisories also described similar cases where scammers claimed victims were under investigation and requested credentials “for verification purposes”, resulting in fraudulent transactions through digital wallets or bank accounts.
These cases demonstrate that impersonation scams are becoming more technologically sophisticated while maintaining the same core objective: extracting sensitive information quickly.
(source:https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-warn-against-phishing-scams-via-google-meet-video-calls-involving-fake-cops?ref=search-results0 )
Warning Signs to Watch For
Recognising the warning signs can prevent losses before they happen. Even when scammers appear convincing, certain behaviours reveal the deception.
Common red flags include:
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Unsolicited video calls from unknown contacts
Government agencies do not conduct investigations through unexpected video meetings.
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Requests for banking credentials or OTPs
No legitimate officer will ask for passwords or verification codes.
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Pressure to act immediately
Urgency is frequently used to stop victims from verifying information.
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Claims involving suspicious activity in your bank account
These statements are designed to create fear and confusion.
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Email addresses or meeting invitations that appear unusual
Official communications are conducted through recognised channels.
The authorities have emphasised clearly that officers will never request transfers of money, disclosure of login details or installation of unofficial applications during investigations.
How to Stay Safe from Video Call Impersonation Scams
Protecting yourself from impersonation scams requires both awareness and caution.
Start by verifying any unexpected communication claiming to be from authorities. If someone contacts you through a video call and claims to be a police officer, end the call immediately and verify the request through official channels.
Other practical precautions include:
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Do not share OTPs with anyone
These codes are meant only for personal verification.
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Avoid clicking unfamiliar meeting links
Unexpected invitations may be malicious.
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Never transfer money on instruction from unknown callers
Government agencies do not request such actions.
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Contact the organisation directly using official contact details
Do not rely on numbers provided during suspicious calls.
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Discuss suspicious requests with family members or trusted contacts
A second opinion often reveals inconsistencies.
These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to impersonation scams.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Video Call
If you receive an unexpected video call from someone claiming to be a police officer, remain calm and take the following steps:
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End the call immediately
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Do not provide personal information
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Do not follow instructions given during the call
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Verify the claim through official channels
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Inform your bank if any information was shared
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Acting quickly can prevent further losses.
What to Do If You Have Already Been Scammed
Victims sometimes realise what has happened only after money has been transferred. Immediate action is essential in such situations.
If you suspect you have been targeted:
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contact your bank immediately
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freeze your accounts if necessary
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report the incident to the police
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monitor your accounts for suspicious transactions
Resources You Can Turn To for Help
Singapore provides several official support channels for scam victims.
You may contact:
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the police hotline for non emergency reporting
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the Anti Scam Helpline (1800-722-6688)
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your bank’s fraud support services
These resources are designed to assist victims quickly and efficiently.
How Scam.SG Can Help
Scam awareness platforms such as Scam.SG provide an additional layer of protection against impersonation scams, including emerging variants involving video calls.
Users can search phone numbers, email addresses or usernames on Scam.SG to check whether they have previously been associated with scam reports. This allows individuals to identify suspicious contacts before sharing information or joining unfamiliar meeting invitations.
Scam.SG also features a TrustScore system, which helps users assess the credibility of unfamiliar contact details based on community reporting patterns. A lower TrustScore may indicate a higher likelihood that a number or identity has been linked to suspicious activity, helping users make safer decisions before responding.
Members of the public can contribute by submitting scam encounters, strengthening a shared knowledge base that supports wider community protection.
In addition, Scam.SG publishes educational articles explaining how impersonation scams evolve and how individuals can respond safely. Reviewing these resources before reacting to unexpected requests can reduce the risk of financial loss.
Stay Alert as Scammers Continue to Adapt
The emergence of fake police video calls shows how scammers are adapting quickly to new technologies. By moving beyond phone calls into live video interactions, criminals are attempting to create stronger illusions of authority and urgency.
However, the underlying tactic remains the same: pressure victims into revealing sensitive information before they have time to verify the request.
Remember that genuine government officers will never ask for banking credentials, OTPs or money transfers during investigations. When something feels unusual, pause and verify before taking action.
Staying informed, recognising warning signs and using verification platforms like Scam.SG can make a significant difference in preventing losses.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant with Scam.SG.