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Scam alert! Victims tricked into installing malware

This article is more than 12 months old

Police say they have received reports of victims who unknowingly installed what is likely to be malware on their computers.

This is after they followed the instructions of callers whom they thought were from well-known software companies.

The callers would tell the victims that their computers required security or software updates, which they had to download and install from the Internet.

The victims would also be asked to give their account identification codes and passwords.

Asked to provide credit card details

The callers would then convince the victims to buy additional software and make online payments or by providing their credit card details.

Police urge the public to ignore such calls, and to turn down requests to make payment or divulge credit card and bank account details over the phone.

For those who have received such calls and followed the caller's instructions, they are advised to change passwords associated with their online accounts.

They should also scan their computers with a commercial anti-virus or anti-malware software. They can call the police hotline on 1800-255 0000, or call 999 for urgent police assistance.

Singaporescammalware