More than $1.7 million lost in scams using fraudulent mobile apps

SINGAPORE – Victims have lost about $1.72 million after falling prey to investment and job scams that involve fraudulent mobile apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

At least 32 such cases have been reported since January 2025, police said on Aug 1.

Scammers would approach victims through social media platforms such as Facebook, as well as communication and dating apps, such as LinkedIn and Tinder. Victims were also approached via investment advertisements on social media.

After building rapport with victims, the scammers introduced fake investment or job opportunities. Victims were told to download and set up accounts on fraudulent mobile apps such as Dyreka, M Tree PE, Saftools and Tik StoreB2B.

Under the guise of investment or purchasing goods to set up a business, victims would be instructed to transfer money to the scammer’s bank accounts or cryptocurrency wallets.

The police said these transactions included the Singapore dollar, foreign fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies.

Some victims would be given small profits to encourage them to deposit more money into these fraudulent investments or online businesses.

Victims would realise they had been scammed only when they could not withdraw their money, or when the scammers became uncontactable.

The police said people should be cautious when making investment decisions and adopt precautionary measures.

These include setting up security features, such as activating privacy functions on devices, to prevent unknown users from adding someone into chat groups.

Suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links can be checked with the ScamShield app, by calling its hotline on 1799, or by visiting www.scamshield.gov.sg

Before making investment decisions, ask the company as many questions as needed.

If it cannot or avoid answering, check its owners, directors and management members to assess the authenticity of investment opportunities.

The credentials of the company and its representatives can be verified via resources, including the Financial Institutions Directory, the Register of Representatives and the Investor Alert List. These are available on the Monetary Authority of Singapore website.

People should download apps only from official app stores, and evaluate user reviews and ratings. They should also download anti-malware scanning apps.

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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