Singapore cautions public about scammers exploiting fears

Singapore Government Warns of Scams Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

As Singapore grapples with the spread of the deadly coronavirus, the government is warning its citizens of potential scams related to investigations linked to confirmed cases of the virus. Scammers have been reportedly calling people under the guise of “contact tracing,” asking for financial details in the process.

Contact tracing is a crucial step in identifying individuals who have had close contact with infected patients, in order to monitor them for symptoms and prevent further spread of the virus. However, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has made it clear that they will never ask for financial details during these calls.

The Singapore Police Force has also reinforced this message, stating that no government agency will request personal details or money transfers over the phone. Major banks in Singapore, such as United Overseas Bank, have also issued warnings to their customers about potential scams related to the coronavirus outbreak.

With 58 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in Singapore as of Thursday, the nation has raised its risk assessment to the second highest level of alert. Officials are cautioning that the number of cases could continue to climb in the coming weeks.

As the city-state works to contain the outbreak, it is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and cautious of potential scams. The government is urging the public to report any suspicious calls or messages related to the coronavirus to the authorities.