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Be on alert for iMessages from scammers posing as the police or Singapore courts
SG🏛️ PoliticsCenter15 days ago

Be on alert for iMessages from scammers posing as the police or Singapore courts

Singapore authorities have warned citizens about a surge in phishing scams targeting iMessage users, where fraudsters impersonate the police or courts to steal personal and financial information. Scammers send unsolicited messages from foreign numbers or email addresses, falsely accusing recipients of traffic offenses, unpaid parking fees, or outstanding court summonses. These messages threaten legal action and direct victims to click malicious links or provide codes to 'acknowledge' the alleged violations. Upon clicking, victims are redirected to fake government websites where they are asked to enter sensitive data like banking credentials. Authorities emphasize that legitimate Singaporean law enforcement agencies will never request payments via unsolicited messages or links. Citizens are urged to verify notices through official portals or contact authorities directly, and to enable security features like two-factor authentication and ScamShield app protections.

More than $1.2 million has been lost to scams involving courier firms and Apple’s iMessage, according to Singapore police. The frauds, which began on June 24, have affected at least 251 individuals. The scams involve messages appearing to come from courier services such as Ninja Van, DHL, J&T Express and SingPost. These messages claim there was a failed delivery due to an invalid address and urge recipients to update their delivery address through a link that mimics the courier's official website. In some instances, the messages also include a local helpline number. Recipients are instructed to reply with “Y” or “1”, a tactic designed to circumvent Apple iMessage’s built-in protections that prevent users from clicking on links in messages until they have interacted with the sender. The fraudulent websites, once accessed, prompt victims to pay a “re-delivery fee.” Users are asked to enter their credit card and internet banking credentials and authorise the transaction with their digital tokens. Some victims later found their credit cards added to Google Pay or Apple Pay, and their bank digital tokens set up on unfamiliar devices after being tricked into providing one-time passwords. Others noticed unauthorised logins to their bank accounts from unknown devices. Many discovered they had been scammed only after seeing unauthorised transactions on their cards or bank accounts. Courier companies typically do not use iMessage to contact customers, relying instead on registered SenderIDs that can be verified at https://smsregistry.sg/web/sid-query. NinjaVan, for example, communicates with customers through verified business pages on Facebook Messenger and Telegram and is collaborating with WhatsApp to send notifications via its WhatsApp Business account. J&T Express Singapore uses SMS, WhatsApp and email for customer communication and does not charge re-delivery fees. Delivery drivers may contact recipients directly through phone calls, SMS or WhatsApp to confirm delivery details, but will not ask for payment unless the parcel is cash-on-delivery or requires GST payment prior to delivery. Separately, Singapore police have issued warnings about another wave of phishing scams targeting users of Apple’s iMessage. These scams involve messages purporting to come from the police or Singapore courts. The messages often originate from foreign numbers or email addresses and claim the recipient has committed a traffic offence, incurred an unpaid parking fee or failed to settle a court summons. The messages threaten consequences such as an arrest warrant or vehicle impoundment and direct victims to click a link or reply with a code to “acknowledge” the notice. Upon clicking the link, victims are redirected to a spoofed government portal where they are asked to enter their card details, online banking credentials or a one-time password to “process” the “outstanding payment.” Victims typically become aware of the scam only when they see unauthorised transactions on their bank accounts. The police have stated that the Singapore Police Force, Traffic Police and the Singapore Courts will never request payment via unsolicited links or text message replies. Individuals receiving notices of traffic offences or court summonses are advised to verify them through official portals at www.police.gov.sg or www.courts.gov.sg, or by contacting the relevant authorities directly using their official contact numbers. Police officials recommend that iMessage users activate the “Filter Unknown Senders” and “Filter Spam” functions within the app settings. They also encourage reporting suspicious messages through the in-app reporting feature. To further protect themselves, the police suggest installing the ScamShield app and enabling security measures such as two-factor authentication for bank accounts and e-wallets, along with setting transaction limits for internet banking and PayNow. Additional resources on scams can be found at www.scamshield.gov.sg, or individuals can contact the ScamShield Helpline on 1799. Both types of scams rely on social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information. The use of iMessage as a medium for these scams highlights vulnerabilities in how users interact with messaging platforms. While courier-related scams focus on exploiting trust in logistics services, the police impersonation scams aim to instill fear and urgency. Both scenarios underscore the need for heightened vigilance among users and the importance of verifying the authenticity of communications before taking any action. Authorities continue to monitor these developments and are urging the public to remain cautious and informed.

Go to the primary sources (2)

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5 reports

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 95Objective 9024 days ago
255 people under probe for suspected links to scams involving about $5.6m in losses

Singapore authorities have arrested 255 individuals suspected of involvement in scams resulting in approximately $5.6 million in losses. The investigation was conducted by the Cyber Command and seven police land divisions during a two-week operation from July 16 to July 29. The suspects, including 172 men and 83 women aged 16 to 77, are accused of participating in various types of fraud such as e-commerce, phishing, and investment scams. They are being investigated for offenses ranging from cheating to money laundering. Potential penalties include imprisonment, fines, and mandatory caning for repeat offenders. Authorities emphasize prevention through measures like restricting banking services for those involved in mule activities.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about law enforcement actions against scam operations without overt ideological framing. It focuses on legal procedures, penalties, and preventive measures without taking a partisan stance. The tone remains objective, emphasizing the scale of the issue and执法(

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports on the police operation targeting individuals suspected in scams, including the number of people investigated, the amount of losses, and the legal consequences. It aligns closely with the primary source document's focus on scam investigations and penalties.

Why objectivity (90): While the article presents the facts objectively, it emphasizes the severity of the situation and the legal repercussions, which could be seen as slightly leaning towards highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 8519 days ago
More than $1.2m lost to scams involving courier firms and Apple’s iMessage

Singapore police have warned citizens about scam attempts involving courier firms and Apple’s iMessage, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies like Ninja Van and DHL to steal personal and financial information. Since June 24, over $1.2 million has been lost in such scams, with at least 251 cases reported. Scammers use messages with foreign country codes or fake email addresses to mimic recognized couriers, urging victims to click on fraudulent links that lead to fake websites requesting payment for 're-delivery' fees. These sites often ask for credit card and banking credentials, and some victims report unauthorized access to their accounts. Police emphasize that legitimate courier companies do not use iMessage for customer communications and advise verifying SenderIDs through official channels.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a cybersecurity threat without overtly endorsing or criticizing specific political entities. While it discusses a significant issue affecting citizens, it remains neutral in tone and does not take a partisan stance. The focus is on informing the public,

Why factuality (80): The article accurately describes a scam involving courier firms and iMessage, citing police statistics and detailed methods used by scammers. While it doesn't reference the SMS Registry document, it aligns with the broader theme of scam prevention and provides actionable information to readers.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting the scam tactics and police warnings objectively. It avoids taking sides and focuses on informing readers about the risks and how to protect themselves.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 8524 days ago
255 people under probe for suspected links to scams involving about $5.6m in losses

Singapore authorities have arrested 255 individuals suspected of involvement in scams resulting in approximately $5.6 million in losses. The investigation was conducted by the Cyber Command and seven police land divisions during a two-week operation from July 16 to July 29. The suspects, including 172 men and 83 women aged 16 to 77, are accused of participating in various types of fraud such as e-commerce, phishing, and investment scams. They are being investigated for offenses ranging from cheating to money laundering. Potential penalties include imprisonment, fines, and mandatory caning for repeat offenders. Authorities emphasize prevention through measures like restricting banking services for those involved in mule activities.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about law enforcement actions against scam operations without overt ideological framing. It focuses on legal procedures, penalties, and preventive measures without taking a partisan stance. The tone remains objective, emphasizing the scale of the issue and执法(

Why factuality (80): This article is identical in content to item 2, reporting on the investigation of 255 individuals linked to scams involving $5.6 million in losses. It accurately reflects police statements and legal consequences, though it does not reference the SMS Registry document.

Why objectivity (85): The tone remains objective and factual, presenting the information without emotional appeal or bias. It focuses on the investigative actions and legal implications without editorializing.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 8515 days ago
Be on alert for iMessages from scammers posing as the police or Singapore courts

Singapore authorities have warned citizens about a surge in phishing scams targeting iMessage users, where fraudsters impersonate the police or courts to steal personal and financial information. Scammers send unsolicited messages from foreign numbers or email addresses, falsely accusing recipients of traffic offenses, unpaid parking fees, or outstanding court summonses. These messages threaten legal action and direct victims to click malicious links or provide codes to 'acknowledge' the alleged violations. Upon clicking, victims are redirected to fake government websites where they are asked to enter sensitive data like banking credentials. Authorities emphasize that legitimate Singaporean law enforcement agencies will never request payments via unsolicited messages or links. Citizens are urged to verify notices through official portals or contact authorities directly, and to enable security features like two-factor authentication and ScamShield app protections.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a cybersecurity threat without taking a partisan stance. It provides balanced guidance from official sources, emphasizing caution without endorsing any particular political ideology. The framing remains neutral, focusing on public safety and prevention,

Why factuality (75): The article accurately reports on a phishing scam targeting iMessage users, citing police statements and specific examples of fraudulent messages. It provides practical advice to readers and references official verification portals. However, it does not reference the SMS Registry primary source docu

Why objectivity (85): The tone remains informative and cautionary without overt bias. The article presents facts clearly and advises readers on protective measures without injecting personal opinion or emotional language.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 70Objective 8023 days ago
At least $983,000 lost since January to lucky draw scams that demand fees to release ‘winnings’

Singaporean authorities report that at least $983,000 has been lost to lucky draw scams since January 2025, with 254 cases documented. These scams involve scammers deceiving victims into paying fees to claim purported winnings from quizzes, live-streamed scratch cards, or lottery promotions. Scammers often pose as influencers or bank representatives, using platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to contact victims. Victims are typically asked to pay 'processing fees' or 'administrative fees' via services like LiquidPay, only realizing they've been scammed when they fail to receive promised prizes or cannot reach the scammers. Police urge caution against transferring funds to unverified individuals. Overall, scams in Singapore have cost over $4 billion since 2019, with $913.1 million lost in 2025 alone.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a widespread scam issue in Singapore without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on law enforcement actions and provides statistical data without commentary on governance or policy direction. The tone remains neutral, focusing on public劝

Why factuality (70): The article accurately outlines a lucky draw scam, including police advisories and specific examples of fraudulent activity. However, it cuts off mid-sentence, potentially leading to incomplete understanding. It does not reference the SMS Registry document but covers related scam themes.

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains informative and balanced, focusing on educating readers about the scam and advising them on how to avoid falling victim. There is no evident bias or emotional language.

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