Singapore Authorities Warn of New Impersonation Scams Involving WeChat, UnionPay, and Alipay

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) have issued a joint advisory urging the public to stay vigilant against impersonation scams involving Chinese messaging and payment platforms such as WeChat, UnionPay, or Alipay. Since January 2025, at least 678 cases of such scams have been reported, with victims collectively losing at least S$17.4 million.

In this scam variant, victims typically receive unsolicited calls from local mobile numbers, such as “8xxx xxxx” or “+65 xxxx xxxx,” with scammers posing as staff from WeChat, UnionPay, or Alipay. Victims are falsely informed that subscriptions they allegedly signed up for, such as insurance coverage, WeChat subscription, and Alipay subscription, are about to expire. The call is then moved to WhatsApp for further conversation. 

The scammers claim that unless the victims cancel the subscriptions, fees will be automatically deducted from bank accounts linked to the platforms. To cancel, victims are instructed to verify their identities by providing personal information and to verify bank accounts by performing bank transfers to designated accounts. In some cases, scammers exploit WhatsApp’s screen-sharing feature to guide victims to perform these transfers, falsely assuring them that their money will be refunded upon successful cancellation of the subscriptions.

Victims only realize they’ve been scammed when the scammers become uncontactable or when promised refunds fail to materialize.

To appear credible or to pressure victims, scammers use some tactics: send victims fake subscription documents via WhatsApp, often bearing their personal details; introduce a second scammer impersonating an MAS officer, who claims victims’ bank accounts are tied to money laundering activities; the “officer” then demands a bank transfer to assist with investigations; sometimes victims were engaged in a WhatsApp video call in which the impersonator appears in a blue uniform; send victims with falsified court orders or arrest warrants, purportedly issued by MAS, bearing their personal information.

The Singapore Police urge the public to adopt the following precautions:

• Think twice before picking up a call with a “+” prefix, which indicates it originates from overseas.
• Do not trust individuals solely because they have your personal information, such as your name or NRIC number.
• Never share personal details or transfer money to unknown parties.
• Avoid sharing your screen during banking transactions, as scammers may use this to steal your sensitive information.
• Recognize that Singapore's official government messages will only come from the “gov.sg” SMS Sender ID.
• Note that MAS officers do not wear uniforms or have the authority to issue arrest warrants. Any threats of arrest by an alleged “MAS officer” in uniform over WhatsApp should be treated as a scam and ignored.