Singapore on High Alert Over Fraudulent Emails

SINGAPORE – A concerning rise in fraudulent emails masquerading as communications from Cardinal William Goh, the head of the Catholic Church in Singapore, has recently been reported. This alarming trend was highlighted by the Church in a notice made public on July 4.

Identifying Authentic Communications

The archbishop's office emphasizes that all legitimate emails from Cardinal Goh or his staff will only come from the domain catholic.org.sg. Any email from a different domain should be treated as a scam, according to Reverend Terence Pereira, the chancellor of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore.

Report Suspicious Emails Immediately!

Singapore’s faithful are urged to report any suspicious emails requesting money or fund transfers directly to the appropriate authorities at www.csa.gov.sg or www.scamshield.gov.sg. Rev. Pereira has stressed the importance of vigilance in protecting the community from such scams.

The Growing Threat of Online Fraud

An advisory released by the Archbishop’s Communications Office on June 30 revealed that scams are increasingly sophisticated, mimicking real conversations to establish a facade of trust before attempting to defraud victims. In 2024 alone, there have been over 51,500 reported scam cases in Singapore, amounting to losses that exceed a staggering $1.1 billion.

AI-Powered Phishing Attacks on the Rise

Looking ahead to 2025, experts predict a rise in AI-driven phishing scams that are not only personalized but also alarmingly accurate. Beyond email, scammers are increasingly active on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram.

Protect Yourself and Your Community

The Archbishop’s Communications Office has strongly advised the Catholic community to meticulously check email addresses, regardless of how familiar the display name may appear. Individuals are encouraged to verify the authenticity of websites, particularly those requesting personal information for event registrations or online donations.

Stay Informed and Vigilant!

As the late Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to Singapore in September 2024 approaches, the archdiocese warns that related phishing scams may increase. Reports have already surfaced of individuals misrepresenting themselves as ticketing agents for the papal mass, trying to obtain personal information from unsuspecting churchgoers.