Advisory

Advisory on Impersonation Scam Involving CPIB

The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) is aware of several impersonation scams involving the Bureau.

2. In a recent incident, a member of public has received several calls purportedly from the CPIB, claiming that a handphone number, belonging to the member of public's relative, was used to make scam call advertisements in Malaysia. In another separate incident, a member of public received a call supposedly from CPIB, claiming that the member of public's personal details was used for a freight account. We would like to clarify that the calls were not made by CPIB officers.

3. Members of the public are advised to take the following precautions if they receive such calls:

  • Ignore the calls and the caller's instructions.

  • Call CPIB’s hotline at 1800-376-0000* for assistance to verify the authenticity of such calls purported to be from the CPIB. You can also check the legitimacy of suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links via the ScamShield app.

  • Do not provide your personal information such as your name, identification number, passport details, contact details, bank credentials and One-Time Password to the requestor.

4. Remember, government officials will NEVER do these things over a phone call:

  • Ask you to transfer of money.

  • Ask you to disclose personal or banking details.

  • Ask you to install mobile apps from unofficial app stores.

  • Transfer your call directly to Police, except when you call 995 for life-threatening emergencies.

5. If you receive an SMS from the government, make sure it is sent from the gov.sg SMS Sender ID**.

6. Scammers may also cite your personal information (e.g., name or NRIC number) to appear legitimate. Do not automatically trust someone just because he/she has your personal information.

7. If you have any information on suspected scams involving the impersonation of CPIB or its officers, please call the CPIB hotline at 1800-376-0000*, the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000*, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

8. For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1799.

*Airtime charges apply for mobile calls made to "1800" local toll-free service numbers.
** Exceptions apply for National Service call-ups and emergency services. read more about the exceptions at www.sms.gov.sg/exceptions.

CORRUPT PRACTICES INVESTIGATION BUREAU