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Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

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Fake Friend Call Scams

Scammers are posing as friends to trick you into transferring money urgently. Learn how to recognise the red flags and avoid being deceived by a familiar voice.

Last updated 28 May 2026

Key takeaways 

  1. Be wary when picking up calls from unknown numbers, especially if the caller request for urgent financial assistance.

  2. Always verify the identity of the caller and never transfer money to unknown persons.

In 2025, scam victims in Singapore lost at least S$4.7 million in fake friend call scams.

Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2025

How it works?

  1. Initial contact
    Fake friend call scams typically involve scammers contacting victims via phone calls or WhatsApp, pretending to be their acquaintance.

    During the conversation, the scammers would claim that they had lost their mobile phone and changed phone number.

  2. Request for money
    After establishing rapport, the scammers would capitalise on the perceived friendship and seek money from the victims for various reasons.

    • The common reasons offered by scammers for these “loans” were to pay contractors for renovation fees, pay for costs relating to the opening of new businesses, or pay vendors/suppliers.

    • The victims would transfer money via PayNow to bank accounts belonging to unknown persons.

  3. Discovering the scam
    They would discover that they had been scammed when they contacted their actual acquaintance and realised that they had neither changed their contact number nor contacted them.

How to spot the red flags?

unsolicited calls icon

Receive calls from unknown number

Caller calls you using an unknown number, asks you to guess who they are and claims that he/she lost his/her old phone number.

Transfer money icon

Request for urgent financial assistance

You are asked to transfer money to the caller for various reasons.

download apps icon

Asked to download unknown apps or click suspicious links

You are told to click on links or install third-party apps sent via text messages to help him/her through a difficult situation.

Examples of this scam type

Chat with unknown number asking personal question; user blocks contact after suspicious replies.

How to stay safe?

ADD:

  • ScamShield app to block scam calls and filter scam SMSes. ​

  • Anti-virus app to your devices (see recommendations by CSA).​

  • International Call Blocking option to your mobile account(s). 

CHECK:

  • Caller’s identity by calling his/her last known number, via social media or meet-up.​

  • Only install apps from official app stores.​

  • With someone you trust.

  • Call the ScamShield Helpline (1799) to check if you are unsure.

TELL:

  • Warn your friends and family about your scam encounter.​

  • Call your bank immediately and make a police report if you think you have fallen victim.

Encountered this scam? Here's what to do

If you have transferred money to a scammer, please visit this page for a list of immediate actions: I've Been Scammed!

Help keep the community safe by reporting any instances of this scam you’ve seen or experienced with the ScamShield App.

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