Crime
Singapore family loses over S$150,000 in online egg purchase scam
In late 2023, the Singh Family in Singapore faced financial ruin, losing over S$150,000 to an e-commerce scam while purchasing eggs online. The scam jeopardized crucial expenses, leaving the family grappling with uncertainty, emotional distress, and financial crisis..
![scam](https://gutzymedia.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/wp/2023/12/17061842/IMG_20231227_174001.jpg)
SINGAPORE: In late 2023, tragedy struck the Singh Family, a household of five, when they fell victim to an e-commerce scam while attempting to purchase eggs online.
This deceitful scheme resulted in the loss of more than S$150,000 (US$113,470) from their life savings, distributed across four bank accounts and a credit card.
The funds that were swindled were earmarked for critical financial commitments, including university fees for their teenage children, medical expenses for their 81-year-old grandmother, their housing loan, and the future retirement of Mr and Mrs Singh.
Fearing further scams, the family opted not to disclose their full name.
Regrettably, their plight is not isolated as Singapore grapples with a rising trend of malware scams.
These scams involve victims unwittingly downloading apps that infect their mobile phones with malware, leading to dire consequences for individuals like Mr Singh, the 57-year-old patriarch of the family.
Expressing disbelief, Mr Singh, a communications supervisor, recounted the incident just two days before Christmas, emphasizing his meticulousness in cautioning against scams.
Online egg purchase leads to devastating scam, draining family’s life savings
The ordeal commenced on 26 November when Mrs Singh encountered a Facebook advertisement promoting organic eggs.
Intrigued, she and her husband decided to make a purchase, initiating a chain of events that would prove financially catastrophic.
They engaged in a WhatsApp conversation with a “seller” named Jason, who assured them of the eggs’ quality and requested a deposit via a specific app.
Mr Singh, acting on Jason’s instructions, installed the app and attempted to make a payment for 60 eggs.
Unbeknownst to him, the payment page bore a striking resemblance to UOB’s interface.
After entering his UOB account login details, the transaction failed.
Despite Mr Singh’s attempts to cancel the order, Jason insisted on proceeding with the delivery.
On 27 November, instead of receiving the promised eggs, Mr Singh received an unexpected call from a UOB customer service officer inquiring about a substantial credit card transaction, of which he was unaware.
A subsequent examination of his UOB and DBS bank accounts revealed the shocking reality – all his funds had been drained.
In a state of shock, Mr Singh recounted the moment he discovered the zero balances, describing it as a surreal experience akin to becoming a zombie.
Promptly alerting his wife, the couple reported the scam to the police, initiating an ongoing investigation by the Singapore Police Force.
Singhs navigate bank communication amidst fraud concerns and unauthorized transactions
The Singhs have taken steps to communicate with the banks implicated in the fraudulent transactions.
Mr Singh discovered a series of outgoing transactions totalling S$15,000 (US$11,347) from his UOB account, along with an additional unauthorized withdrawal of nearly S$30,000 (US$22,694) from his DBS account.
Despite the significant amounts involved, Mr Singh noted that he did not receive any notifications, alerts, or one-time passwords – security measures typically triggered for transactions of lesser sums.
Expressing bewilderment, Mr Singh raised valid questions about how the scammers gained access to his credit card details, which he had not disclosed, and to his other bank accounts.
Asserting that the banks should shoulder at least partial responsibility, he emphasized that he was unaware of the ongoing fraudulent activity and had entrusted the banks to safeguard his funds.
Singh’s family grapples with uncertain financial future and emotional toll
The future remains uncertain for the Singhs, and the prospect of recovering their life savings is shrouded in doubt.
The impact of the scam has taken a severe toll on Mrs Singh, a phlebotomist at a hospital, who has since succumbed to depression and sought help from a psychiatrist.
In an interview with CNA, she struggled to contain her emotions, painting a vivid picture of the emotional devastation the family is enduring.
Expressing profound concern for their future, Mr Singh posed poignant questions about their financial stability during the interview.
“What’s going to happen to us? I’m not young anymore to start all over again from scratch. I won’t reach the amount I was able to… How much longer am I going to remain employed?”
To navigate their current financial crisis, the Singhs have resorted to borrowing money from relatives, including Mrs Singh’s cousin.
Describing the Singhs as a frugal family that diligently saves every penny, the cousin emphasized their responsible financial habits.
Reflecting on the unfortunate turn of events, the relative stated that the scam “could not have happened to a nicer family,” highlighting the injustice faced by a family that had conscientiously avoided unnecessary expenses, such as lavish vacations or extravagant indulgences.
Banks say customers play a pivotal role in their own defence against scams; WP MP call for banks to bear full responsibility
In response to inquiries from CNA, both UOB and DBS acknowledged Mr Singh’s case and confirmed ongoing communication with him.
A UOB spokesperson underscored the bank’s commitment to customer protection, highlighting the introduction of various security controls to combat the rising trend of scams in Singapore.
While urging customers to exercise vigilance, the spokesperson emphasized that customers play a pivotal role in their own defence against scams.
DBS, in addressing the situation, mentioned that the bank evaluates individual cases and provides goodwill payouts on a case-by-case basis.
Beyond financial assistance, the bank collaborates with counselling centres to offer emotional support to victims.
The spokesperson outlined precautionary measures for DBS customers, citing DigiVault – a recently launched service enabling customers to secure their funds by digitally locking them in an account with restrictions on digital transfers.
To access funds, customers must visit a branch for identity verification, enhancing the security of their financial assets.
In September, Workers’ Party (WP) chairman, Sylvia Lim emphasized that banks should bear full responsibility for reimbursing victims of scams and malware fraud.
Ms Lim’s argument was rooted in her belief that the onus should be on banks to restore the financial stability of the victims, rather than burdening individuals to navigate the intricacies of the financial system to reclaim their lost assets.
However, Ms Lim’s proposal was shot down by Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, emphasizing the need for a delicate equilibrium, stating, “The Government must strike a balance between fairness and accountability.”
Global scam losses soar to US$1.02 trillion; Singapore tops average victim losses, highlighting escalating scam Threats
A joint study conducted by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (Gasa) and ScamAdviser has revealed a staggering global loss of approximately US$1.02 trillion due to scams between August 2022 and August 2023.
Notably, Singapore emerged as the country with the highest average losses among victims.
This astronomical figure far surpasses the losses of US$55.3 billion in 2021 and US$47.8 billion in 2020.
Jorij Abraham, the managing director of Gasa, unveiled these findings during the opening speech at the fourth annual Global Anti-Scam Summit in Lisbon, Portugal.
The study, spanning 43 countries and surveying 49,459 individuals, extrapolated data based on each country’s population.
It was emphasized that the average scam victim in Singapore incurred the highest loss globally, standing at US$4,031.
Switzerland and Austria followed with average losses of US$3,767 and US$3,484, respectively, underscoring the attractiveness of these affluent nations as prime targets for scammers.
During the summit, it was disclosed that Singapore Police Force’s data from February indicated a rise in losses, with victims in Singapore losing S$660.7 million (US$499.7 million) in 2022 compared to S$632 million (US$478 million) in 2021.
These trends were corroborated by Singapore’s experience, where phishing scams dominated in 2022, accounting for 7,097 cases and resulting in a total loss of S$16.5 million (US$12.4 million), according to SPF records.
![](https://gutzy.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gutzy-Logo-whiteS.png)
-
Politics1 week ago
Jamus Lim on Minister Chee Hong Tat’s remarks on fiscal policy: Calls for genuine debate over rhetoric
-
Politics2 weeks ago
SM Lee: Singaporeans must ‘change attitudes’ as Govt promises ‘bold and necessary changes’
-
Community2 weeks ago
Toast Box faces backlash and boycott calls amid price increases
-
Media1 week ago
Notice to Our Readers: Moving Back to The Online Citizen
-
Singapore2 weeks ago
Singapore introduces new scheme in April 2025 offering up to S$6,000 in financial support for retrenched workers
-
Politics2 weeks ago
Jamus Lim raises concerns over high cost of living and its impact on Singaporeans’ sense of belonging
-
Opinion1 week ago
Chee Hong Tat’s call for fiscal prudence rings hollow amid contradictory government spending
-
Singapore2 weeks ago
Tan Suee Chieh: Sacrificing NTUC Income’s values for short-term gains undermines its foundation
This family must have voted for opposition in the last GE. That’s why they are so stupid.
Are these BELOW CONSIDERED Political Scams?
How about LOOSING $100s of $1000s of Dollars via paying FINES to the 🇺🇸 Govt when Keppel Corpn was Found GUILTY of Giving Bribes to Brazil Petrobas?
How about the Fujian Gang – who looses Billions of Dollars?
Then next the F1 Scandal?
Last – did SLA LOOSES $1000s and $1000s of the People’s money?
Ask the DBS Banks and SG state banks … I did two transfer to hubby you send a msg and to son no msg. So you tell me they still into their fucking cult of labelling my hubby white and son black. No?!? Their Empire more impt. Just playing around with citizens.
As I’ve mentioned previously, … as the most “kena scammed” nation (per capita) in the world, … any and all scammers worth their salt would certainly have a “go” !!!
C’mon, with all emotions and feelings set aside, … eggs, even eggs can get one’s attention and interest, … anything is pliable !!!
What more, … to then be utterly convinced, to download the “preferred” app/link of the scammer, when reminded over and over again, … that that’s the modus operandi of all online scams !!!
They are responsible for their own actions. Everyone is at liberty to do whatever they want with their own money. Download apps is at your own risk It is like going into a shop and asking them what to do in order to buy. Shop tells you to allow them to put their hands into your pockets. And you say ok. With their hands inside your pocket, they check your wallet. check your loose change in other pockets You allowed them in. Same as allowing Google to see your location in your phone. Allow SingTel/Starhub/ etc to see your contacts… Read more »
Does anyone BELIEVE this cheating occur in a Smart Nation?
What actually is a Smart Nation of SG looks like? Or Singaporeans were CONSTANTLY asked to believe in, swayed by, political liars?
Look like in very near future, we have to use our pupils as login authentication in all bank and government websites.
Once again, why didn’t the banks profile their customers? Why no red flags raised when the money was being taken out so quickly. Programme the system to shut down any account online that doesn’t match the spending habits of the customer. Are the bank officials in cahoots with the scammers?
The banks claim they are continually upgrading their systems to combat scams. They love to trot out the initiative of the money lock or digilock where money can be locked up and only accessible at the branches in person. The fact is that scammers are able to over-ride whatever systems that are in place. Thus, we get this case of the Singhs losing their life savings without them (the Singhs) knowing. While the money lock is useful, those who do not use this money lock are still open to being scammed. I still maintain that another step should be a… Read more »
“The spokesperson outlined precautionary measures for DBS customers, citing DigiVault – a recently launched service enabling customers to secure their funds by digitally locking them in an account with restrictions on digital transfers.” this is also nonsensical since it still requires the app which has shown to be hackable. previously those apps were also supposed to limit daily fund transfers and give notifications. the malware apps victims downloaded seem to have bypassed ALL of that! just bring back the fucking token key! token keys worked. they worked w/o internet access, technically. they worked without having to need a phone app… Read more »
i think we need class action suits like in USA, to sue the banks for refusing to reverse transanctions. esp when some of those fund transfer were within the same bank!!!
sue them for fraud and conspiracy with fraudsters to bankrupt singaporeans. sue them for treason if possible. this is outrageous.
also bring back token key. apps are too hackable and easy to fake. we never had this many cases until they(the sinkie based banks) insisted on using phone apps! definite CONSIPRACY!
After hearing so many people got scammed through android malware app in Singapore, my advice to everyone is NOT TO INSTALL ANY OTHER THING IN ANDROID PHONES. Use your smartphone as it is in original state. And also DON’T BE GREEDY looking for cheap lobang online. This advice the SPF will not tell all people.
All these cases is similar to trojan horse virus in PC last time.
Quite a ‘ COMPLEX ‘case
Hopefully not the 39 .