SINGAPORE - At least 25 people have lost no less than $38,000 in all since October to parcel delivery scams, the police said on Wednesday.

They added that they have noticed a trend of such scams, where scammers would get the victim’s personal details by pretending to ask for delivery payment of supposedly purchased items.

“With the upcoming festive period and major online shopping events, members of the public are advised to be more cautious of such scams,” the police said, referencing popular sales events such as 11.11 sales, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or 12.12 sales.

Victims would receive text or e-mail messages, containing phishing links, that ask for additional payment for the delivery of their purchased items. These messages are designed to look as though they were sent by postage or e-commerce companies, such as SingPost.

Victims who click on these links are led to fake websites that require them to provide their personal details, which could include banking credentials.

Victims would discover that they are scammed only when they notice unauthorised transactions made on their bank accounts or credit cards.

The police advised the public to look out for signs of phishing and never to disclose any personal details and One Time Passwords (OTP) to anyone.

Delivery charges are usually charged upfront when purchases are made, they added.

The messages are designed to look as though they were sent by postage or e-commerce companies. SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE

“SingPost will never send you a text message or email requesting additional payment through an embedded link that demands that you give SingPost your personal or banking information,” the police said.

“Any payment to SingPost can only be done via the SingPost mobile app, at SAM machines, or any post office.”

For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Helpline on 1800-722-6688.