WhatsApp scam resurfaces with phishing SMSes, warn Singapore police
The Singapore Police Force has issued a warning about a new scam technique targeting WhatsApp users through phishing SMSes that mimic account verification messages. Victims are tricked into entering their mobile numbers and verification codes on fake sites, enabling scammers to take over their accounts.
- The Singapore Police Force has warned of a new phishing scam involving fake WhatsApp verification SMSes.
- Victims are deceived into entering their details on a fraudulent webpage, allowing scammers to hijack their accounts.
- Scammers then use the compromised accounts to send fake loan requests to victims’ contacts.
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on 12 November 2025 warned of a new method scammers are using to take over WhatsApp accounts through phishing SMS messages.
According to the police, victims receive text messages claiming that their WhatsApp accounts have issues due to a "lack of verification".
The message instructs users to verify their accounts via a link leading to a fake WhatsApp webpage.
Upon entering their mobile number and verification code on the fraudulent site, victims inadvertently provide scammers with the information needed to hijack their accounts.
Once in control, scammers send fraudulent loan requests to the victims’ contacts, often using convincing language and personal familiarity to solicit money.
Victims typically realise the deception only after being logged out of their accounts, noticing unrecognised devices linked to them, or being alerted by friends who receive suspicious messages.
The SPF urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
Users who suspect their WhatsApp accounts have been compromised should contact WhatsApp immediately for account recovery through the official support link at https://faq.whatsapp.com/1131652977717250.
Additionally, the police advised the public to call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for assistance and verification.
Authorities reiterated that official platforms do not request verification via links sent in SMS messages, and users should verify all communications through trusted channels.
Rising scam losses and tougher penalties
Singapore has lost more than S$3.4 billion to scams since 2019. Victims lost a record S$1.1 billion in 2024, and over S$600 million between January and August 2025.
On 4 November, Singapore Parliament passes new law introducing caning for scam syndicate members and obscene content administrators.
Under the new law, members of scam syndicates and those aiding them—such as money mules who provide bank accounts, SIM cards, or Singpass credentials—face caning of up to 24 strokes. Money mules may be subjected to up to 12 strokes of discretionary caning.
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