Job scams disguised as online work have led to more than S$10.6 million in losses since October, according to a Singapore Police Force update on 24 November.

The trend aligns with earlier observations highlighted by The Straits Times, which reported a rise in fraudulent recruitment pitches circulating on social and messaging platforms.

Police said victims were typically approached through job listings or unsolicited messages claiming that commissions could be earned through simple digital tasks.

These offers appeared across job portals, social media channels and messaging apps.

In many cases, victims were asked to take on roles that looked routine but required repeated payments to continue.

Some were told to perform online actions for brands, others were asked to manage storefronts on unfamiliar websites, and a separate group was recruited for survey work.

Although the tasks differed, the pattern of escalating fees was consistent across all three variants.

Victims often received small payouts at the start, which encouraged them to continue transferring money.

As the supposed assignments progressed, the required payments increased, accompanied by explanations about unlocking higher rewards, resolving account issues or processing customer orders.

Many victims only realised they had been deceived when the coordinators stopped responding or when they were unable to access their promised earnings.

Police urged the public to be cautious of job offers that require upfront payments or promise unusually high returns.

Members of the public are encouraged to use the ScamShield app to filter unknown contacts.

Anyone seeking advice can call the 24 hour ScamShield helpline on 1799.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by team14450 via Freepik