Mother Loses S$4,600 to Phishing Scam After Son's Mistake

Singapore, Singapore Jul 14, 2026 ALN: A man fell prey to a phishing scam after intending to sell his watch on Carousell. He used his mother’s bank account details without her knowledge, which enabled the scammers to access the account and take almost all her savings.

They left the man’s mother, 64-year-old Mdm Jiang, with only S$0.12 in her account.

Telling Shin Min Daily News that she does not fully blame her son, she wanted to share her story anyway in order to raise awareness against clicking links from people they don’t know.

The backstory

The problems began when Mdm Jiang’s son put up a watch on sale for S$50 on Carousell. Carousell is a popular online marketplace in Singapore where users can buy and sell items ranging from electronics to clothing. A potential buyer sent him a message on July 9, and after exchanging numbers, the two men took the conversation about the sale of the watch to WhatsApp, agreeing on the sale on July 11.

While Mdm Jiang’s son asked to be paid in cash or via PayNow, a popular digital payment service in Singapore, the other man insisted on using Carousell’s payment system instead. This insistence on using a specific payment method is a common tactic employed by scammers to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

The buyer then sent him a payment link that was allegedly from the platform. The report said that the page looked very similar to Carousell’s webpage and contained the fake buyer’s information. This highlights the sophistication of phishing scams, as they often create fake websites that closely mimic legitimate ones, making it difficult for users to discern the difference.

Mdm Jiang’s son followed a “Receive Payment” link, which required him to input bank account details. Because his own account was not available at the time, he used his mother’s, later asking her for a one-time password (OTP). This is a critical point in the scam, as the OTP is a security measure used to confirm transactions, and scammers often exploit the trust between family members to gain access to sensitive information.

Afterwards, when he asked her to see if the payment had come in, she found out that S$4,600 had been taken from her account, leaving her with just 12 cents. The sum taken represents a significant portion of her savings, which she had likely accumulated over years of hard work. Although she called the bank immediately after receiving a notification of the transaction, it was too late. The bank, however, told Mdm Jiang to file a report with the police, a common procedure in such cases where victims are advised to report fraud.

When she checked the link her son had clicked, she discovered that it was a scam website. This realization not only adds to the emotional distress of the situation but also underscores the importance of vigilance when it comes to online transactions.

After the scam

Mdm Jiang is a widow who owns a car repair company. After her husband died three years ago, she discovered that the business was in a sorry financial state. The loss of her husband not only impacted her emotionally but also placed a financial burden on her shoulders. She has been struggling to stay afloat, and the scam has made things worse; she now has to borrow money for her expenses. The financial implications of the scam extend beyond just the immediate loss, as they can affect her ability to sustain her business and support her family.

She is the only working member of her family, as both of her sons have trouble with employment since the oldest one has a criminal record and the other declared bankruptcy. This situation adds a layer of complexity to her circumstances, as Mdm Jiang is not only managing her own financial struggles but also the challenges faced by her sons.

Mdm Jiang is also the caregiver for a grandson with autism. This role requires significant time and emotional investment, further complicating her already challenging situation. The added responsibilities of caregiving can lead to increased stress and financial strain, particularly for someone who is already facing economic difficulties.

In light of the scam, Mdm Jiang has since put up her Telok Blangah HDB flat for sale and hopes to move to a smaller unit, as this would ease some of her family’s financial troubles. Selling her home represents a significant life change and underscores the extent of her financial distress. The decision to downsize is often a difficult one, particularly for someone who has likely created many memories in their home.

As scams continue to proliferate, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant. Facebook Marketplace and Carousell have been noted to have lower safety ratings in terms of scams, which raises questions about the measures these platforms are taking to protect their users. The ongoing prevalence of such scams highlights the need for increased awareness and education around online safety practices, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly.

In conclusion, Mdm Jiang’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for others engaging in online transactions. The emotional and financial repercussions of phishing scams can be devastating, and it is crucial for individuals to be informed and cautious when navigating online marketplaces. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the tactics employed by scammers, making it imperative for users to stay informed and vigilant.

Understanding Phishing Scams

Phishing scams have become increasingly common in recent years, evolving in sophistication and technique. These scams typically involve fraudulent communications, often appearing to come from reputable sources, to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details. Cybercriminals exploit the trust that users place in familiar brands or platforms, making it crucial for individuals to recognize the warning signs of such scams.

One of the most prevalent forms of phishing is through email, where scammers may send messages that appear to be from legitimate companies, urging recipients to click on links or download attachments. However, phishing can also occur through social media platforms, instant messaging apps, and even SMS, as demonstrated in Mdm Jiang's case. The ability for scammers to create fake websites that closely resemble legitimate ones adds another layer of risk, particularly for those who may not be tech-savvy.

To protect oneself from falling victim to phishing scams, individuals are encouraged to adopt several best practices. Firstly, it is essential to verify the authenticity of any communication before taking action. This includes checking the email address or phone number of the sender, looking for spelling errors or unusual language, and being cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information. Furthermore, individuals should refrain from clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Using two-factor authentication (2FA) can also enhance security, as it provides an additional layer of protection beyond just a password. This method requires users to provide a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, making it more challenging for scammers to gain access to accounts even if they have the password. Regularly monitoring bank statements and online accounts can help individuals detect unauthorized transactions early, allowing for prompt action to mitigate potential losses.

The Role of Education and Awareness

Raising awareness about phishing scams is paramount in combating this growing threat. Educational initiatives can play a significant role in equipping individuals, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly, with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital landscape safely. Community programs, workshops, and online resources can provide valuable information about recognizing and avoiding scams, empowering individuals to take control of their online safety.

Moreover, collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and technology companies is essential in addressing the issue of online fraud. By sharing information and resources, these entities can work together to develop better security measures, enhance reporting mechanisms, and create a safer online environment for all users.

In summary, Mdm Jiang's unfortunate experience serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online transactions. It highlights the necessity for ongoing education and vigilance in the face of evolving scams. As individuals continue to engage in digital marketplaces, it is imperative that they remain informed and proactive in protecting themselves against potential threats.