Phishing Scam Leaves Woman with Just 12 Cents After Son's Mistake

Singapore, Singapore Jul 13, 2026 ALN: In an alarming incident, a woman has found herself in a precarious financial situation after falling victim to a phishing scam that left her bank account nearly empty. The 64-year-old woman, known only by her surname Jiang, experienced a significant financial loss when her son inadvertently provided sensitive banking information to scammers while attempting to sell a watch on the popular second-hand marketplace, Carousell.

The incident occurred on July 9, when Jiang's 34-year-old son was contacted by a potential buyer interested in purchasing a watch he had listed for sale. The conversation quickly transitioned to WhatsApp, where they agreed on a price of $50 for the watch on July 11. Initially, Jiang's son requested that payment be made through cash or PayNow, a popular digital payment service in Singapore. However, the buyer insisted on using the Carousell platform for the transaction, which ultimately led to the unfortunate turn of events.

Under pressure to complete the sale, Jiang's son reluctantly agreed to the buyer's terms. He received an email containing a link that purportedly would allow him to claim the payment through the platform. However, unbeknownst to him, the link directed him to a fraudulent website designed to mimic the official Carousell site closely. The fake site displayed familiar features, including product images, prices, and even the buyer's personal information, which may have contributed to its deceptive appearance.

Upon reaching the fake site, Jiang's son was prompted to enter his banking details to process the payment. As his own bank account was temporarily unavailable, he used his mother's account information instead. Jiang recounted that she received a one-time password during this process, which further misled her into believing that the transaction was legitimate. Tragically, within moments of entering her details, the entire balance of $4,600 in her account was swiftly transferred out, leaving her with a mere 12 cents.

Upon discovering the theft, Jiang immediately contacted her bank, only to be informed that the transaction had already been processed and could not be reversed. This left her in a dire financial situation, exacerbated by her family's existing economic challenges. As the sole breadwinner, Jiang has been struggling to support her family, which includes two sons with significant personal difficulties. Her eldest son has a criminal record that limits his employment opportunities to delivery work, while her younger son is currently unemployed and has been declared bankrupt.

In light of these challenges, Jiang has taken steps to alleviate her financial burden by listing her five-room flat in Telok Blangah for sale. She hopes that downsizing her living situation will provide her with some relief amidst the overwhelming financial strain. Despite the distressing circumstances, Jiang has expressed that she does not hold her son entirely responsible for the unfortunate incident. Her intention in sharing her story is to raise awareness about the dangers of phishing scams, hoping to prevent others from experiencing similar financial devastation.

The police have confirmed that a report has been filed regarding the incident, and investigations are currently underway. Authorities have reiterated the importance of public awareness concerning phishing scams, particularly those targeting online marketplaces. In recent years, the police have issued numerous advisories to educate the public about the risks associated with online transactions.

Data from the police indicates a worrying trend, with at least 223 individuals falling victim to similar scams between November 1 and December 29, 2025, resulting in a collective loss of $622,000. These statistics underscore the prevalence of online scams and the need for vigilance among users of digital platforms. The increase in such incidents highlights a broader issue within the digital economy, as more people turn to online marketplaces for buying and selling goods.

To combat these threats, the public is urged to exercise extreme caution when engaging in online sales. It is strongly recommended that sellers refrain from providing banking information, card details, or any other sensitive personal information to unknown individuals. Additionally, meeting potential buyers in person to finalize transactions is advised as a safer alternative. This practice not only minimizes the risk of falling prey to scammers but also allows for a more secure exchange of goods.

In an effort to further protect against scams, the police have introduced the ACT (Add, Check, Tell) framework. This framework encourages individuals to add the ScamShield app to their devices, check for suspicious activity, and report any concerns to the authorities. The ScamShield helpline, available at 1799, is also offered as a resource for individuals who suspect they may be victims of scams. This proactive approach aims to empower individuals to take control of their online safety and to create a community that is informed about potential threats.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the tactics employed by scammers. Phishing scams, in particular, have become increasingly sophisticated, often leveraging social engineering techniques to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information. The incident involving Jiang serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and informed when navigating online transactions. By sharing her experience, Jiang hopes to empower others to recognize the signs of potential scams and take proactive measures to protect themselves from financial harm.

Scammers have been known to employ various tactics to gain the trust of their victims. They often create a sense of urgency or pressure to make a decision quickly, which can cloud judgment and lead to hasty actions. In Jiang's case, her son's eagerness to complete the sale may have contributed to his decision to provide sensitive information without fully verifying the legitimacy of the transaction.

As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that authorities will be able to track down those responsible for this and similar scams, bringing them to justice and preventing future victims from suffering the same fate. The case highlights the pressing need for ongoing public education about online safety and the importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world. Furthermore, it underlines the necessity for platforms like Carousell to enhance their security measures to protect users from falling victim to such scams.

In conclusion, the phishing scam that Jiang fell victim to is a cautionary tale for anyone engaging in online transactions. It emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and the implementation of best practices when it comes to online safety. By remaining vigilant and informed, individuals can better protect themselves and their finances against the ever-evolving tactics of scammers. As the digital marketplace continues to grow, fostering a culture of safety and awareness is paramount to safeguarding against the risks associated with online transactions.