Phone scams aren't new.

Since 2016, the police have been alerting the public to various phone scams where scammers impersonate police officers in order to get your personal particulars.

You would think that scammers ought to grow smarter, but this latest account of a hilariously futile scam, posted by Sure Boh Singapore on March 21, has proven otherwise.

In it, a lady returns a call to +6566946999 where she is connected to "999 Police Main Station". The call is picked up by a female operator with a Chinese accent, claiming to be from "Police HQ".

Hilarity ensues.

We pick out our favourite parts of the dialogue:

Scammer: Miss, this is Cantonment Police Station-

Lady: Where's Cantonment?

Scammer: Here, at...Jurong East, JU-RO-NG ah

Lady: Huh? Cantonment is at Jurong East ah?

Scammer: Yes.

.

.

.

(after the lady refuses to give her name)

Scammer: I don't even know if you're a dog or human, how can I tell you what your offence is?

Lady: Well, I don't even know if you're a chicken or human - I mean, chicken or dog leh.

Scammer: (hangs up)

By the way, the scammer might have actually given her own location away by identifying Jurong East as her location of "Cantonment Police HQ".

Also, Police Cantonment Complex, which is not Police HQ, is located at 391 New Bridge Road, Police Cantonment Complex, Singapore 088762.

The actual Police HQ is located at New Phoenix Park, 28 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329560.

What should you do if you receive a scam call?

According to the police, members of public are advised to disregard such calls and ignore the instructions given. Never divulge personal information such as your name, identification number, passport details, contact details, bank account or credit card details.

If you come across a scam or are a victim of one, you can:

- call the Police hotline at 1800-255 0000, or

- submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness

And of course, if you want to be a scammer, make sure you do your homework first.

Top photo via Sure Boh Singapore

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