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Catholic Church warns against papal mass ticket scams

The Straits Times

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June 24, 2024

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore has reminded those keen on attending Pope Francis’ mass in Singapore that WhatsApp or other instant messaging apps will not be used in general ticketing or balloting processes.

- Sherlyn Sim

Catholic Church warns against papal mass ticket scams

In a statement on its website on June 23, it said it has received reports of Catholics having their WhatsApp accounts taken over by scammers who claimed to be helping them with the papal mass ticket registration process.

Pope Francis will visit Singapore from Sept 11 to 13, and will celebrate mass on Sept 12.

More than 40,000 tickets will be available to the public in the online ballot, which is open to anyone in Singapore with a valid account on the myCatholicSG portal.

The archdiocese said: “Scammers, having gained access to the WhatsApp accounts of those on your contact list, masquerade as your contacts and ask you to generate and send them a WhatsApp verification code on the pretext of helping you with the mass ticket registration.

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