Receiving repeated WhatsApp video calls from someone claiming to be a police officer<\/a> was enough to pique one man\u2019s curiosity.<\/p>\n Instead of ignoring the latest call, he decided to answer it \u2014 without turning on his camera or saying a word.<\/p>\n Stomper Wee <\/strong>said he answered the call on June 27 at around 6pm.<\/p>\n \u201cI had received around three or four WhatsApp video calls from a number beginning with +92, the international country calling code for Pakistan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce I saw the country code and that the WhatsApp profile displayed the Singapore Police Force logo, I knew it was a scam.\u201d<\/p>\n Curious to see how the scam worked, Wee answered the video call but kept his own camera switched off.<\/p>\n \u201cI told myself I must be strong in my mindset,\u201d he said. \u201cI understand they are professional scammers, so I kept reminding myself it was just a scam call<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Instead of introducing himself, the man on the other end repeatedly called out Wee\u2019s middle name in a stern voice while accusing him of being involved in criminal cases.<\/p>\n \u201cHe kept calling my middle name more than 10 times,\u201d recalled Wee, who said he was \u201cstunned for a few seconds\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess this is the crucial point where many people become shocked and scared. Once someone knows your name and accuses you of criminal offences, you might panic and stop thinking logically.\u201d<\/p>\n Wee remained silent throughout the roughly 30-second call before the scammer eventually hung up.<\/p>\n He managed to capture a screenshot of the caller, who was wearing what resembled a Singapore Police Force uniform, with a cap and mask on.<\/p>\n Although surprised that the scammer knew his middle name, Wee did not make a police report as he recognised it as a scam from the outset.<\/p>\n He said this was not the first time he had encountered scammers impersonating Singapore authorities.<\/p>\n \u201cLast year, I also received calls from people claiming to be Immigration & Checkpoints Authority officers,\u201d he said. \u201cThey claimed I was involved in criminal cases too. I immediately hung up because I knew our government authorities wouldn\u2019t call like that.\u201d<\/p>\n He also recalled receiving scam SMSes claiming a parcel was being held by customs and that payment was required before it could be released.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t even remember ordering anything from overseas,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Reflecting on his experiences, Wee urged others to remain calm if they receive similar calls.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let them scare you and make you panic,\u201d he said. \u201cOnce you panic, you won\u2019t be able to think logically. Stand firm with your thoughts and always stay vigilant.\u201d<\/p>\n The police had previously warned<\/a> the public in April to remain vigilant against phishing scams involving video calls by scammers impersonating police officers.<\/p>\n They said officers will not contact members of the public through unsolicited WhatsApp video calls or other unofficial communication platforms.<\/p>\n Members of the public who receive suspicious calls should hang up immediately and verify any claims through official government channels. If in doubt, they can call the ScamShield Helpline on 1799 or visit the ScamShield<\/a> website for advice.<\/p>\n Have something to say? Join in!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Explore more on these topics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n See something interesting? Contribute<\/a> your story to us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u2018Don\u2019t let them scare you\u2019<\/h2>\n
Police will not contact you through WhatsApp video calls<\/h2>\n
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