There’s always gonna be the handful that tries to take advantage of a dire situation for their own gain.
The coronavirus outbreak is no exception. We’ve got those who jack up the price of face masks to gain a profit.
And we’ve even got those who take to platforms like Carousell to scam others who are desperate for items like hand sanitizers and surgical masks.
This time, these scammers are pretending to be government officials (but it’s not the first time either):
MOF Warns of Scammers Calling to Pretend As Gov Officials to Give Money from Budget
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has issued a warning to the public that there are scammers masquerading as the ministry or the Government to try to score bank account details of unsuspecting people.
Specifically, they’re scamming individuals who are hoping to register for benefits that were announced during this year’s Budget.
MOF took to Facebook on Monday to remind the public that it would never ask individuals for their bank account details by email or phone.
The ministry also said that some eligible recipients of government payouts that are targeted at helping Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) deal with the COVID-19 outbreak may not have provided the authorities with their bank account information.
If this is the case, you should only submit your bank account details to the official websites for Singaporeans and PRs.
One-off Payout
Lest you’ve been hiding under a rock, you would know that all adult Singaporeans will receive a one-off payout of at least S$600 to tide them over the pandemic.
They will receive this payout as early as 14 April. However, those that did not register their bank account details with the government will have to wait for them to send the cheques, which will begin on 30 April 2020.
Don’t worry, eventually, all eligible Singaporeans will still receive that S$600 one way or other.
PRs aged 21 and older with Singaporean parents, spouses or children will receive a one-off payment of S$300.
Do Not Respond To Unfamiliar Email Or Text Messages
Here’s a gentle reminder that members of the public should not respond to unfamiliar email and text messages or phone calls about their Budget benefits from those claiming to be from MOF.
Unless you woke up one day and became the Queen’s son or daughter, you probably aren’t going to get a personal call from the ministry #justsayin.
Thanks, captain obvious.
MOF also reminds the public that authorised online transactions with government agencies require users to log in with their SingPass identification and password.
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