SINGAPORE - Telegram users should beware of fraudulent messages claiming to provide links to information on the GST Voucher scheme and on MediSave, said the police on July 16.

The resurgence of the scam variant has resulted in victims’ Telegram accounts being hijacked, the police said.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced on July 9 that about 1.5 million Singaporeans will receive up to $850 in GST Voucher (GSTV) cash payouts in August.

Around 710,000 seniors will get up to $450 in MediSave top-ups, with the amount depending on their income and home value.

Scam victims would receive messages containing infographics urging them to check their eligibility for payouts through a fake link embedded within the Telegram messages.

Once victims click on the link, they would be asked to disclose personal information such as mobile numbers, names or NRIC numbers.

They may also be asked to provide Telegram verification codes which would allow scammers to take over their Telegram accounts.

Scammers will then use these hijacked accounts to send phishing links to the victims’ contacts or add them into chat groups that promote fraudulent investment schemes.

The police said the SMS notification from “gov.sg” will only inform citizens of their benefit(s).

Citizens will not be asked to reply to the SMS, click on any links, or provide any information to the sender.

Members of the public may visit govbenefits.gov.sg for more details.