Two men to be charged over phishing scam targeting 7,000 WhatsApp users
Two men, aged 27, will be charged on 20 November for allegedly sending phishing messages to over 7,000 WhatsApp users, leading to compromised accounts and fraudulent requests for money. Singapore police say the scam involved a fake verification page mimicking WhatsApp.
- Two men accused of mass phishing scam via WhatsApp targeting over 7,000 users.
- Victims' accounts were hijacked after entering details on fake verification websites.
- Police seized devices and a Malaysian-registered car; suspects face charges under the Computer Misuse Act.
SINGAPORE: Two 27-year-old men will be charged in court on 20 November 2025, for their alleged involvement in a WhatsApp phishing scam that targeted more than 7,000 local users.
According to a statement released by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on 19 November to local media, the police began receiving reports in October concerning scam messages sent via WhatsApp.
The messages falsely claimed that users' WhatsApp accounts had issues due to prolonged non-verification. Victims were prompted to click on a phishing link, which redirected them to a fraudulent website resembling WhatsApp’s official verification page.
Once victims entered their mobile number and verification code on the fake site, their WhatsApp accounts were taken over by scammers.
The compromised accounts were then used to send fraudulent messages, typically requests for loans, to the victims' contacts.
Most victims realised they had been scammed only after being logged out of their accounts, discovering unknown logins, or being informed by friends or relatives about suspicious messages.
One victim reportedly lost approximately S$1,823 due to the scam.
Following the reports, the Police Intelligence Department and the Commercial Affairs Department launched a joint enforcement operation across Singapore on 18 and 19 November.
During the operation, two men were arrested. One is a Malaysian national, and the other is Singaporean. Both are believed to be members of a transnational scam syndicate.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects sent mass messages to over 7,000 local mobile users, directing them to enter their personal details on fake WhatsApp verification sites.
Several items were seized during the operation, including multiple communication devices, mobile phones, and a car registered in Malaysia.
Both men will be charged under Sections 3(1) and 12 of the Computer Misuse Act for conspiring to assist in the unauthorised access of computer data.
If convicted, first-time offenders face a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
The police have reiterated their commitment to taking a serious stance against all forms of scam-related activities. They warned that anyone involved in such offences will face strict legal consequences.
Members of the public seeking more information on scam prevention can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield hotline at 1799.
Anyone with information related to scam operations is encouraged to call the police at 1800-255-0000 or submit tips online via www.police.gov.sg/i-witness
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