Singaporean travellers to Malaysia are being warned about a new wave of phishing scams impersonating the Land Transport Authority (LTA), police announced on Tuesday, February 10.
Scam Targets Travellers
The scam involves SMS messages sent to individuals after their mobile phones connect to Malaysian telecommunications networks for roaming. These messages falsely claim outstanding vehicle tolls are owed.
Decommissioned Sender ID
The fraudulent texts are sent using a former LTA official sender ID, simply named “LTA.” However, the police have confirmed this sender ID was decommissioned in July 2024 and is no longer in employ.
Victims are prompted to click a link leading to a phishing website where they are asked to provide their bank card information. Police reports indicate that victims typically discover the fraud only after noticing unauthorized transactions on their cards.
Financial Impact
Since January 27, at least 10 cases of this scam have been reported, resulting in losses of at least S$24,000 (US$19,000).
Authorities advise the public to remain vigilant and cautious of unsolicited messages requesting financial information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of this scam?
The scam involves SMS messages impersonating the LTA, falsely claiming unpaid vehicle tolls for travellers roaming in Malaysia.
Is the “LTA” sender ID still active?
No, the police have confirmed that the sender ID “LTA” was decommissioned in July 2024 and is no longer in use.
What should victims do if they suspect they have been targeted?
Victims only realize they have been scammed when unauthorized transactions appear on their cards, according to the police.
How can individuals best protect themselves from similar scams in the future?
