Beware of scam website claiming your PayNow certificate is expiring: Police

Have you received a message asking you to "update" your expiring PayNow certificate by clicking a link?

This is a scam intended to lure the recipients to a fake PayNow phishing website, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in a Dec. 13 release.

The scam

In the scam campaign, victims receive a text message informing them that their PayNow certificate has "expired".

Those who click on the embedded link will be redirected to a fraudulent website, which states that the victim's PayNow certificate is "nearing its expiration date".

It then prompts the victim to key in credit card details and other personal information like their mobile phone number, date of birth, email and billing address.

PayNow does not have a website to key in details

Members of public should note that PayNow does not have a website that allows you to key in personal and credit card details, the police said.

PayNow users should only provide their details through their respective banks’ official sites or applications.

PayNow also does not issue any digital certificates to members of public.

Those in doubt or need assistance can contact their banks through the official hotlines.

How to protect yourself against such scams

The police also warned the public not to use clickable links or QR codes provided by unknown persons.

They can check the legitimacy of suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links by using the ScamShield app or calling the ScamShield Helpline (1799).

They are also advised to tell the authorities, family, and friends when they encounter scams.

Those with information relating to scams, or who are in doubt, can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit a report online.

More information on scams can be found on the ScamShield website or via the ScamShield Helpline (1799).

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Top image from SPF