Advisory

Advisory on Impersonation Scam Involving CPIB

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is aware of an impersonation scam involving the Bureau.

2. In this impersonation incident, a member of public was informed that she was being investigated by a foreign police officer and CPIB for purported money laundering offences. The member of public also received a letter and met up with an individual, both purportedly from CPIB. She was subsequently instructed via a letter supposedly from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to pay a bail amount of S$100,000, failing which the member of public would be extradited to a foreign country.

3. Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions should they receive calls from suspected scammers:

  • Ignore the call and the requestor’s instructions.

  • Call CPIB’s hotline at 1800-376-0000* for assistance to verify the authenticity of such messages, phone numbers and website links purported to be from the CPIB. You can also check via the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 or the ScamShield app.

  • Do not provide your personal information such as your name, identification number, passport details, contact details, bank credentials and One-Time Password to the requestor.

4. As a reminder, Government officials will NEVER do these things over a message or phone call:

  • Ask you to transfer money;

  • Ask you to disclose bank log-in details;

  • Ask you to install mobile apps from unofficial app stores;

  • Transfer your call directly to Police.

5. If you receive an SMS from the Government, make sure it is sent from the gov.sg SMS Sender ID**.

6. Scammers may also cite your personal information (e.g. name or NRIC number) to appear legitimate. Do not automatically trust someone just because he/she has your personal information.

7. If you have any information on suspected scams involving the impersonation of CPIB or its officers, please call the CPIB hotline at 1800-376-0000*, the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000* or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

8. For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

*Airtime charges apply for mobile calls made to "1800" local toll-free service numbers.
** Exceptions apply for National Service call-ups and emergency services. Read more about the exceptions at www.sms.gov.sg/exceptions.

CORRUPT PRACTICES INVESTIGATION BUREAU