Try GOLD - Free
52 victims lose $2.3m to scammers impersonating Iras officials
The Straits Times
|March 23, 2024
At least 52 people fell prey to scammers impersonating officials from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) in 2023, with losses amounting to about $2.3 million.
Iras said on March 19 that it has also seen an increase in scam attempts on taxpayers during the current tax filing season, which runs between March 1 and April 18.
Based on reports made to Iras by the public in 2023, 79 per cent of scams involved victims being offered tax refunds, and 15 per cent were of victims being asked to pay capital gain tax or income tax on investment-related profits.
Five percent of reports were related to phishing e-mails, while the other 1 percent of reports include fake stamp certificates scams and forged tax documents scams.
In February, The Straits Times reported that the number of scam cases in Singapore hit a record high in 2023, since the police began tracking cases in 2016.
This story is from the March 23, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
The 'smell' things matter for China's luxury car brand Hongqi
One whiff of the plush leather-lined cabin of the lilac-coloured sport utility vehicle (SUV) will tell you exactly where Hongqi sits in the automotive kingdom.
4 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
The rise and fall of Chinese tycoon Chen Zhi
For years, well-connected but mysterious tycoon Chen Zhi lived the high life.
7 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
Arsenal in a really strong position, says Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the Gunners have come out of a gruelling festive schedule in a stronger position despite the disappointment of being held 0-0 at home to Liverpool on Jan 8.
2 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
CAN UNITED STOP THE MANAGER-GO-ROUND?
Here we go, again.
7 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
Cambodia hopes for more Chinese support after alleged scam kingpin's extradition
Move reflects extent to which country finds itself backed into a corner in border conflict
4 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
Man who smuggled cigarettes, vapes into Singapore jailed and fined
A man who smuggled vapes and cigarettes into Singapore to sell to his friends was caught red-handed at Woodlands Checkpoint during a check by officers.
1 min
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
A tale of two cities, two Isetans and a retail conundrum
Why is Isetan thriving in Tokyo while consolidating in Singapore? Its story holds lessons for all department stores.
7 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
Hwa Chong says no students penalised for voicing opinions on SATS school meals
Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) has refuted a claim made on social media platform Reddit that its students were punished for speaking to the media about their canteen food.
2 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
China urges Nestle to work quickly on baby formula recall
BEIJING - The Chinese authorities are urging Nestle to work quickly in recalling baby formula products in the mainland over potential contamination concerns.
2 mins
January 10, 2026
The Straits Times
Public feedback sought on proposals to facilitate dual listings on SGX, Nasdaq
Paper sets out proposed changes to simplify listing process, bring it closer to US standards
3 mins
January 10, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size