Police warn sellers as phishing scams surge on online marketplaces
A sharp rise in online marketplace scams has left hundreds of sellers out of pocket, highlighting growing risks in digital transactions and the need for stronger public vigilance.
Surge in Fake Buyer Phishing Scams
Singapore has recorded at least 223 phishing scam cases involving fake buyers on online platforms since Nov 1, with losses totaling more than $622,000 in just two months. The Singapore Police Force disclosed these figures in a statement released on Dec 29, urging the public to stay alert when selling items online.
How the Scam Typically Works
Victims were usually sellers who had listed items on online marketplaces. Scammers approached them posing as interested buyers and sent phishing links under the pretext of arranging payment or delivery. These links closely resembled legitimate payment or logistics pages, making them difficult to detect at first glance.
Personal Data Compromised
After clicking the phishing links, victims were prompted to enter sensitive personal information, including banking credentials and card details. Many only realized they had been scammed after noticing unauthorized transactions on their bank accounts or cards.
Funds Moved to Overseas Platforms
Investigations showed that stolen funds were often transferred to overseas cryptocurrency service providers, including platforms such as Binance, BTCC, and ByBit. This added complexity to recovery efforts and underscored how quickly scam proceeds can be moved across borders.
Police Advisory to Online Sellers
The police emphasized that sellers should never share banking details, card information, or confidential data with unknown individuals, especially through suspicious links. Sellers are also strongly encouraged to meet buyers in person whenever possible to complete transactions safely.
Where to Get Help and Information
For updated scam advisories and reporting tools, the public is encouraged to visit ScamShield, Singapore’s national anti-scam platform managed by the authorities. The police stressed that early reporting improves the chances of disrupting scam operations.
The rise in fake buyer phishing scams highlights the evolving tactics of cybercriminals targeting everyday digital transactions. As online commerce continues to grow across Singapore and the wider region, stronger awareness and cautious behavior are critical in protecting both individuals and cross-border digital economies from escalating cyber fraud risks.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Yahoo! News Singapore (2025)
Keywords: Online Marketplace Scams, Phishing Links, Fake Buyers, ScamShield Singapore, Cyber Fraud
