Singapore Authorities Warned Against WeChat, UnionPay, Alipay Impersonation Scams

The Singapore Police Force and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) have issued a stern warning to the public about a surge in impersonation scams targeting users of Chinese messaging and payment platforms like WeChat, UnionPay, and Alipay. Since January 2025, over 678 cases have been reported, with victims losing a staggering S$17.4 million collectively.

In these scams, victims receive unsolicited calls from local mobile numbers, such as “8xxx xxxx” or “+65 xxxx xxxx,” where fraudsters pose as representatives from WeChat, UnionPay, or Alipay. The scammers claim that a subscription—such as insurance coverage or a platform subscription—is about to expire and instruct victims to switch to WhatsApp for further communication.

Once on WhatsApp, victims are told that fees will be automatically deducted from their linked bank accounts unless they cancel the subscription. To “verify” their identity, victims are asked to provide personal information and perform bank transfers to a specified account.

In some cases, scammers use WhatsApps screen-sharing function to guide victims through the process, promising refunds upon successful cancellation.

To appear credible, scammers often send fake documents, such as subscription details or court orders, with the victim‘s personal information. In more elaborate schemes, a second scammer impersonates a MAS officer, claiming the victim’s account is involved in money laundering and demanding transfers for “investigation purposes.” Some victims are even shown video calls of scammers in fake MAS uniforms.

Victims only realize theyve been scammed when the fraudsters become uncontactable or the promised refunds never materialize.

The Singapore Government emphasizes that officials will never:

1. Ask you to transfer money over the phone.
2. Request your banking details.
3. Instruct you to install apps from unofficial stores.
4. Transfer your call directly to the Police, except in life-threatening emergencies when calling 995.

Stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to protect yourself from these sophisticated scams.