SINGAPORE: Scammers are using digitally modified copies of Singapore identity cards to open payment accounts, which are then used for illegal activities, the police warned in a media release on Wednesday (Nov 12).
After obtaining a soft copy of an identity card, scammers would use digital tools to replace the facial image on the card with a new picture.
The doctored copy would then be submitted online to open payment accounts with financial institutions.
When the payment service providers conduct user verification using “facial liveness” checks, the scammers would instruct an accomplice resembling the doctored image to assume the identity of the person whose name is on the card, the police said.
Some of the misused identity cards belonged to scam victims who had previously provided scammers with soft copies of their identity cards.
"Upon successfully opening these accounts, the scammers would use them for illicit activities, such as receiving scam proceeds from victims," the police added.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has alerted all financial institutions of this modus operandi, and the affected providers have tightened their measures, said the police.
"Financial institutions have also been reminded to review and ensure that their customer onboarding processes are sufficiently robust to prevent scammers from exploiting their services," they added.
The police pointed out that the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore encourages businesses to use Singpass for user verification instead of soft copy identity cards for sensitive online transactions, like the creation of payment services or bank accounts.
Businesses should also monitor and report suspicious transactions when new accounts are created.
Members of the public are advised not to share their personal identification documents without first verifying the legitimacy and purpose of those asking for them.
Anyone found guilty of forging a document or electronic record, with the intent to use it for cheating, faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine.
Continue reading...
After obtaining a soft copy of an identity card, scammers would use digital tools to replace the facial image on the card with a new picture.
The doctored copy would then be submitted online to open payment accounts with financial institutions.
When the payment service providers conduct user verification using “facial liveness” checks, the scammers would instruct an accomplice resembling the doctored image to assume the identity of the person whose name is on the card, the police said.
Some of the misused identity cards belonged to scam victims who had previously provided scammers with soft copies of their identity cards.
"Upon successfully opening these accounts, the scammers would use them for illicit activities, such as receiving scam proceeds from victims," the police added.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has alerted all financial institutions of this modus operandi, and the affected providers have tightened their measures, said the police.
"Financial institutions have also been reminded to review and ensure that their customer onboarding processes are sufficiently robust to prevent scammers from exploiting their services," they added.
The police pointed out that the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore encourages businesses to use Singpass for user verification instead of soft copy identity cards for sensitive online transactions, like the creation of payment services or bank accounts.
Businesses should also monitor and report suspicious transactions when new accounts are created.
Members of the public are advised not to share their personal identification documents without first verifying the legitimacy and purpose of those asking for them.
Anyone found guilty of forging a document or electronic record, with the intent to use it for cheating, faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine.
Continue reading...