At least RM54mil lost to ‘fake friend’ scams in Singapore this year; thousands have been duped by such scammers

Scammers call or text their targets, posing as friends or acquaintances, and then ask for financial assistance. - PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE: Some 4,800 people have been duped by scammers posing as their friends or acquaintances this year, with losses amounting to at least S$15.7 million (RM54 million).

These scammers would call or text their targets, posing as friends or acquaintances, and then ask for financial assistance, the police said in a statement on Wednesday.