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Beware the 'Windows Service Centre' scam Letter from Rex J Morais 16 Aug 2011 Today I am writing to warn your readers, after somebody claiming to be from a "Windows Service Centre" telephoned me about so-called error messages from my computer. The line was passed to "senior technicians" who, to some extent, convinced me that my computer had serious malware and spyware and that my firewall was corrupted. I was asked to download and install a software, "Teamviewer'" (which enabled them to control my computer), and to pay S$171 to get my software fixed or risk losing all my computer data within a few hours. As I could see that some changes were being made to my desktop, I promptly disconnected from the Internet, uninstalled the software and restored my computer to its previous settings. I realised it was a scam and a subsequent search online confirmed my suspicions. The scammers even gave a phone number, 8001012199, which does connect to a so-called "Windows Service Centre". There must have been other victims and I hope more are now forewarned.

do you think the sudden downgrade of USA credit rating and heavy insider trade between 1st Aug to yesterday is a scam?

The system was engineered to ensure that traffic jams persist so the PAP can continue to "milk the cow". The PAP will not want this profitable ride to end just like oil companies will not want the world to discover a clean, cheap and efficient fuel source.... By: Mellanie Hewlitt Singapore Review 15 Jan 2005 COE, Parf, ARF - confused? Characteristics of The Great COE Scam It is glaring that although Singapore has the world's most expensive cars, the vast majority of car owners remain confounded by the complicated pricing and ownership system. (See artcile from the New Paper 14 Jan 2005 "COE, Parf, ARF - confused?") http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/top/story/0,4136,81225,00.html? In all developed countries, buying a car is a simple and transparent affair that is concluded between buyer and seller. The only other third-parties involved are the insurance company and the finance company. In Singapore a series of bureaucratic shields and paperwork complicate the process. The system is massively complicated, designed to confuse the average car buyer. The objective is to disguise the underlying scam which involves siphoning funds from the car owner into the bloated coffers of the government. The latest tender saw car COE premiums ending at $18,400 (up to 1,600cc) and $14,002 (above 1,600cc) - the lowest in over a decade. The government is set to release between 100,000 to 120,000 COEs this year. At an average COE "price" of approx SGD16,201 per COE this amounts to a whopping SGD1,944,120,000/- in COE revenue for the government. Although the supposed objective of the COE system was to regulate traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion, a number of characteristic reveal the actual COE scam which has the hidden purpose of siphoning funds from car owners. The scam is Revealed via the following formulae: COE Revenue = COE Price X Number of COE issued. Regardless of the price of the COE, the total COE revenue collected remains generally stable at approx SGD1.994 billion. This is because any fall in price is compensated by issuance of more COEs hence keeping the COE revenue relatively stable. Below are some of the characteristics of the COE scam: 1) The illusion created by the Scam is that the price of the COE flustuates as a result of demand and supply. In reality Car Owners are actually providing a buffer for the government and ensuring a steady COE income stream. 2) The scam also effectively encourages Car Owners to scrap perfectly good vehicles early. 3-4 year old cars in mint condition and purchased at very high COE prices are scrapped early when COE prices fall. With a greater number of vehicles "retired prematurely" the government can then issue more COEs at lower prices creating the illusion of a COE market that is driven by demand and supply. In the above scenario, the constant that is maintained is the COE revenue. In a market that is truly driven by Demand and Supply, a fall in demand will eventually lead to a fall in supply which will translate into reduced sales reveunes. 3) It is Impossible to actually own a car in Singapore. To ensure continuity of the COE income stream, the PAP government has effectively made freehold car ownership in Singapore impossible. Car Owners never actually "own" the car per say, even after spending so much money on a piece of paper, all they actually hold is a lease giving them a conditional revocable right to drive a car for 10 years. At the expiration of this lease, the COE certificate is either renewed via payment of additional fees by current owner, or (in event the old owner chooses not to renew the lease) it is "purchased" by a new bidder. Either ways the PAP government is assured of a never ending income stream. 4) The scam is also revealed when a car owner attempts to scrap prematurely. The system does not allow the car owner a cash rebate on the balance COE. Instead, the car owner has to purchase another car (and another COE) and deduct his COE rebates from the final purchase price. This ruse ensures that COE money remains with the government even when a COE is scrapped prematurely, thus assuring them of a steady income stream, albeit at the expense of car owners. 5) This ruse has been used successfully for over a decade in conjunction with a series of other hidden "taxes" (like the ERP, CPF, GST etc) all designed to provide a cheap and ready source of revenue for undisclosed government activities. 6) The scam is given a veil of legitimacy with the support of laws and regulations. The local government owned media regularly report that the COE system "is tightly regulated and very competitive". 7) A plethora of technical terms are used also add layers to the scam and hide the underlying ruse. Terms like "COE", "PARF", "ARF", "OMV" etc. The COE scam also works in conjunction with other scams and is part of a more elaborate process. On top of the COE, car owners also have to pay Road Tax (which is reasonable) and also ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) which imposes a further cost for road usage. So Car owners are penalized not just for leasing a car but also for the road usage. 8) Other countries like Hong Kong also successfully control traffic and the COE concept is conspicuously absent from these countries. In fact in Hong Kong although there is a high cost to owning a car, this is contained in the parking fees and charges which are paid to landlords. The main difference here is that the parking fees are collected by land lords and channeled back into the private sector. In Singapore the COE revenues totaling SGD2 billion are channeled directly into government coffers. No one knows what happens to this massive amount of money. 9) How does the government justify the existence of such a system in the first place? After years of implementation, the original objective of the system (which was to control traffic congestion) has long since been lost. Traffic jams are a common occurence all over the island especially during peak hours and even the implementation of additional penalties like the ERP have failed to address this problem. So what exactly are Singaporeans paying for when there is no concrete proof for justification of the system? Such an obvious scam would have risen many questioning eyebrows in other developed nations. But here in Singapore part of the reason for the success in the deceit lies in the social political circumstances which are unique only to Singapore. There is basically no accountability in government administration and the political system effectively discourages any calls for clarifications. Law suites are used as a convenient tool to silence political opposition members and the international press. After decades of indoctrination, local citizens have adopted a spirit of apathy and unquestioning obedience to any enforced regulations and policies. Indeed the government scammers are sound very legitimate. They are usually polite, friendly, personable, sincere, convincing, and controlling; formidable foes for more trusting average Car Owner. 10) Social and Psychological Indoctrination are important tools in the scammers arsenal. In Singapore, a car has been portrayed by the government as a "luxury item" in order to justify its high price. On the other hand, government policies place immense pressure on families to reproduce and more than one child. This, coupled with uncertain employment (and high unemployment rates of 4.50% p.a.) have necessitated dual income families with both spouses working long 12 hour work days. The hectic lifestyle and multiple roles of both spouses (as wage earner, parents and care-takers of their own parents) have rendered a car a very necessary asset. 11) Whilst the average con artist and scammer can be reported to the authorities, how does one seek recourse when the local authorities themselves are part of the elaborate hoax? The picture remains bleak for Singaporeans as there seems no way out for them from this system. 12) According to a BBC article, not all scams are illegal by definition. In fact some software scams are perfectly legal. "Unscrupulous software suppliers have been taking advantage of software license agreements to trick customers out of anything from

Yahoo News $526k lost to monk scam in Malaysia Petaling Jaya (The Star/ANN) - Fourteen victims who fell for a 4-D scam operated by a syndicate posing as a popular Thai monk have lost more than 1.6mil ringgit (US$526,700) in Malaysia. Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) public services and complaints department head Michael Chong said the syndicate mainly targeted Chinese but ran out of luck recently due to constant publicity in Chinese dailies. "The syndicate is now targeting the Malay segment and we have recently received a complaint from a Malay victim who lost 30,000 ringgit to it," he said at a press conference. He said the syndicate usually employed odd-job workers to place flyers advertising the monk's contact number on cars and in mail boxes belonging to Malay owners. The flyers also featured a so-called testimonial by a person whose "life was changed due to the help of the monk". Chong said the victims would call the number on the flyer to ask for lucky numbers for lottery betting. "For a higher winning chance and prize, more money has to be paid to the bogus monk," Chong said. The victims said the bogus monk informed them that the money would be paid to the "super monks" for their prayers and predictions of lucky numbers. "These victims usually realise they have been cheated when the predicted lucky numbers they have paid for did not win," Chong said. He added that in February this year, a 40-year-old woman lost more than 1mil ringgit to the syndicate in hopes of increasing her winning chances in lottery betting. He also mentioned that none of victims had met or seen the bogus monk personally, and the money was paid via telegraphic transfer.

3 years only compared to 10 years for the swimming coach? --- Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story Apr 11, 2011 Second man in SLA scam jailed three years By Elena Chong Anthony Xavier Foo Doon Tong, 43, then a partner of Ribbons and Rolls Marketing Services (R&R), is the second person to be convicted and sentenced. -- ST PHOTO: GEORGE GASCON A MAN who conspired with two employees of Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to cheat the statutory board of about $297,000 was jailed for three years on Monday. Anthony Xavier Foo Doon Tong, 43, then a partner of Ribbons and Rolls Marketing Services (R&R), is the second person to be convicted and sentenced. In January this year, former swim coach Ho Yen Teck, 31, who benefited about $200,000 for his role in the conspiracy, was jailed for 10 years. He had admitted to 21 of 195 charges. Foo pleaded guilty to 10 of 45 charges of abetting with SLA deputy director of technology and infrastructure department Koh Seah Wee, 40, and SLA manager Lim Chai Meng, 37, to deceive SLA into paying between $2,032 and $63,847 under contracts for which work was not done in 2007 and 2009. Of the $297,000 involved, his share was about $94,500. The cases against Koh and Lim have been moved to the High Court while the cases of six other contractors are still in pre-trial stages in the lower court. CASE BACKGROUND: The court heard that Foo was roped in in October 2007 by Lim into the conspiracy as a 'vendor''. Once transactions were awarded and paid to R&R, Foo would be given a cut of the payment made by the SLA. Other than preparing invoices according to Lim's instructions, Foo knew that the firm would not need to do any work for the SLA to get payment. Foo agreed to the arrangement and concurrently entered into both legitimate and fictitious small value purchase transactions with the SLA. He could have been jailed for up to seven years and fined for each offence committed before February 2008, and up to 10 years and fined on each of two other charges after 2008. Tweet

Hi I am Rachel Sim from One to One Insight. Our client, PayPal is getting ready to conduct research about how people might prefer to be using their services. Each session will take approximately 120 minutes and you will be paid S$100 for your participation. It will take place between, 15

Hey guys, I just received two missed calls followed by two SMS's from two different mobile numbers when i didnt pick up stating: "Dear customer, Starhub has a message for you regarding your account. Please call 63099052 to retrieve your message." I called the number back and the first thing I noticed was that it was an automated system which asked for my ID number which made me wary. I put down the phone and called Starhubs customer service which confirmed that it probable would be for a scam. Please beware and let your friends and family know NOT TO KEY IN ANY ID if they receive a call from 63099052 or not to call the number back.

Compliments of the day to you. By way of introduction, I am Mr Muzaffar Hisham, Deputy CEO, Operations Department of CIMB BANK(Malaysia).I would respectfully request that you keep the contents of this mail confidential and respect the integrity of the information you come by as a result of this mail. I have a business proposal which I believe would be of interest to you. It concerns a deceased client and an estate he left behind, without naming a beneficiary to his left funds of

From: Customers Service <[email protected]> Subject: Customer PayPal Satisfaction Survey Dear Customer, CONGRATULATIONS !!! You have been chosen by PayPal online department to take part in our quick and easy 5 question survey. In return we will credit $10 to your account - Just for your time! Helping us better understand how our customers feel benefits everyone. With the information collected we can decide to direct a number of changes to improve and expand our online service. The information you provide us is all non-sensitive and anonymous - No part of it is handed down to any third party groups. It will be stored in our secure database for maximum of 3 days while we process the results of this nationwide survey. We kindly ask you to spare two minutes of your time in taking part with this unique offer! To Continue click on the link below: http://www.qoo.ebm.com.tw/11_en/survey/index.php

Volkswagen Motors Ltd. Volkswagen Marketing Worldwide Yeomans Drive Blakelands Milton Keynes MK14 5AN Dear Email Address Owner, Your email address have won you the sum of

Receive an e-mail (yahoo) and using my iPhone to open up to check the content. WTF, it secretly copied all my friends e-mail addresses in it. Several friends had called and ask what I was sending to them. I informed that I did not send any e-mails out to anyone with regards to some shopping information and sales........ So beware of unknown mails you receive before opening to check the contents ......

To all you out there, I posted my car for sale 2 months ago due to overseas work assignment and was approached by a person, called himself Leon (Stanley under another company) who offered to take over my monthly installments and will rent the car out under his company name. Of cos, my 1st worry was that if accident, my insurance will not cover. He said not to worry, while the car is under his charge, insurance will be under his company's name. So I agreed to his proposal. Nearly 2 months down the road, I have not seen my 1st payment yet. I contacted him many times, always met with excuses, said dun worry, check with his HR and Accounts Dept, got problem with his Accounts Dept, got problem with my POSB account blah blah blah... And I'm stuck overseas, helpless to do anything. My boss was in the same situation, he has since returned to Singapore for 3 weeks already but have yet to get the car back from this guy. We have already lodged police report against him, but seems like the police are not able to do anything, they said it's just a Breach of Contract, not a crime. And there were already several reports made against him by previous victims. Not sure how long this guy has been in operation. Anyway, just like to warn all you guys out there of this scam going on. Take note if someone of the name Leon or Stanley, using the resources of Sgcarmart to contact unknowing owners, wants to take over your car for rental. Aside, any one knows of any action we can take against him? Some has proposed getting repo company to tow the car back. Appreciate all feedback and less reprimand (I realised I was gullible). But in a high car ownership cost country, who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to lessen their financial burden? For those of you who are interested, you can take a look at the details; Name: Leon Chan Company: Elites Car Rental Number: 84000766 Another name: Stanley Number: 82531321 Drives a black Mazda RX-8 (not sure if it

Wifey was in driving off car when a van stop beside her n a AhBeng in uniform signal her to stop n wind down windscreen, Ah beng ask my wife for help n ask her if she have a moment to spare, wifey come down n they ask her if she can take their goods-some speakers into our car, wife say dun wan but Ah beng say they really can't bring this speaker back to their office or they will be in trouble, They told wifey that these speaker cost $2999 n show her a mag wth the picture of the speaker, wifey say no need but they block her n refuse to let her get back into her car n beg her to help them, n ask for some "beer money" $800... wifey knows something is fishy but as she is all alone n worried that they turn violent, she told them only have $50, they ask if she have ATM card to draw more money, as wifey is rushing for time n these r 3 ah bengs corner her she no choice but relent, she brought the speakers fr them.... it is actually a low-end speaking selling at a mid-range speaker price.... In future if any forumer saw this van stop beside u n ask u for help to take their speaker n ask for coffee money, just drive off immediately, don't entertain them...it is a scam!! btw, the van no. is GW 5884 A but the alphabet may be wrong... anyway this van is not white but green/blue colour; May refer to this site for more info...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_van_speaker_scam it is a long time scam but many pple is still fallen for it, n they seem pretty aggressive recently.

I belived its another scam at work.. but it all looks so real . Below is what ive received and is from .. Yahoo Account <[email protected] Due to the congestion in all Yahoo-accounts, Yahoo! would shut down all unused accounts. In order to avoid the deactivation of your account, you will have to confirm your e-mail by FILL-IN your Login Info below by clicking the reply button. The personal information requested are for the safety of your Yahoo! account. Please LEAVE all information requested. Your Username:--------------------- ------- Your Password::-------------------- -------- Your Date Of Birth:------------------------ - Your Occupation:------------------- --------- Your Country Of Residence:---------------- After you must have followed the instructions in the sheet, your Yahoo! account will not be interrupted and will continue as normal. Thank you for your usual co-operation. We apologize for any inconvenience. Yahoo! Customer Care Copyright

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_535412.html MOTORIST here has won a two-year-long fight against what appears to be a fraudulent accident claim. It has taken the dogged determination of Mr Henry Phua, 61, to expose those involved in an attempt to pin the blame for a fender bender on him and to file insurance claims of over $14,000 against him. The police yesterday confirmed that investigations have been completed, and that three men will soon face criminal charges for cheating and giving false information in connection with the case. more details here http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story...421-136607.html

Got this from e-mail : A Singapore man

Taken from: EDMW The below email has been circulating around in cyberspace and was forwarded to us for publication. For those of you who knows the identity of the author, please keep it strictly confidential. Please forward this to all your male Singaporean loved ones and friends. This is something that actually happened to me and I feel that it needs to be shared. I believe my experience will help your male loved one stay out of trouble. On the morning of 18th February at about 9.50 am I was standing at Coffee Bean (Novena Square) counter, ordering my usual cup of mocha latte before heading into the office as usual. Behind me was a row of leather cushions that the mall has provided. In the corner of my eyes, I noticed a middle aged Chinese lady with an umbrella and a cold storage plastic bag, looking really nervous, glancing around every now and then. The lady had shoulder length hair tied up neatly in a pony tail and looked pretty plain, wearing just a normal t-shirt and jeans - nothing too revealing. She was about mid 20s to early 30s and pretty pleasant looking I must say. But her eyes were scary when she stared intently at me for a short moment I did not pay much attention to her as I thought she was waiting for the slimming centre to open. I carried on my business as usual, glancing through the Today newspaper. As I made my way towards the direction of Banquet coffee shop, she stood up and walked towards my direction. What happened next caught me completely by surprise. The lady stopped directly in front me of, stared at me and suddenly screamed "Why you touch me?" Only then did I realise from her unmistakable accent that she is from China. I said "Sorry? What are you talking about?" I was more in shock then angry. The first thing that came to my mind was, is this some woman that I accidentally brushed on the train this morning? She did not bother to explain but kept on screaming and pointing her index finger at me "Why you touch me!" about 4 or 5 times. She then squatted, covering her face and cried, crying out over and over again that I had touched her. I was really lost. There were some people walking past me and I felt like a criminal standing there, while people gave me this disgusted look. All the while I was trying to talk to the China lady but she remains in a squatted position, covering her face and crying. At this point of time, a Malay bang in light blue coloured uniform walked over from Banquet. Seeing the situation he asked me what happened. The lady stood up and said that I had "touched" her. She then told the Malay bang that I need to giver her $500 to "see doctor" or else she would report me to the Chinese Embassy. She took out her hand phone and took several photos of me. The Malay bang then said, "Bro, I think we better call the police". At this point of time, I have gotten over my shock and anger was slowly taking over. I nodded to the Malay bang in agreement. I took out my hand phone too. But instead of taking her photo, I dialled 999 immediately. "I am calling the police myself. Let them settle the matter". I said calmly to the both of them. At this point of time, she picked up her plastic bag and umbrella, and swiftly left towards the direction of Tan Tock Seng hospital - even before my call could connect! We were left there puzzled. Somehow I was relieved that it was over and did not want to proceed with the call. The Malay bang asked me if I was ok. All I said was "Thanks". He patted my shoulder and walked away towards the direction of Coffee Bean. Several patrons inside banquet were already witnessing the commotion. I just wanted to get out of there. In case something like this happens to you or your loved ones, do not make the same mistake I did, trying to console the woman. Immediately take out your hand phone, take a photo of her and call the police. Please help to spread this around to our Singaporean husbands, sons, brothers and friends. Please, my dear Singaporeans, look around you, what has happened to our country? Where have all these pests come from? Think about your loved ones and your other Singaporean friends. Forward this story and make sure that they know what to do when the same thing happens to them.

Bros, I received a scam SMS from my provider M1. Its one of those you win money please contact us BS complete with bad spelling. I called M1 to feedback and of course got the usual scripted replies, some BS about cannot retrieve our SMS, privacy issues. I F the guy and told him what about the stolen rifle from camp case. Then he back track say this is extreme case and blah blah blah... anyway, any other bros here got this SMS? is there nothing we can do to bring this up to our police investigating scams? or whatever? unless they don't do anything about it?

...doing??? SINGAPORE: In what is likely to be a landmark case for the charity sector, 26

BBC Tourists warned of Thailand airport scam By Jonathan Head BBC News, Bangkok Bangkok's showcase new international airport is no stranger to controversy. Built between 2002 and 2006, under the governments of then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the opening date was repeatedly delayed. It has been dogged by allegations of corruption, as well as criticism of the design and poor quality of construction. Then, at the end of last year, the airport was shut down for a week after being occupied by anti-government protesters. Now new allegations have been made that a number of passengers are being detained every month in the duty free area on suspicion of shoplifting, and then held by the police until they pay large sums of money to buy their freedom. That is what happened to Stephen Ingram and Xi Lin, two IT experts from Cambridge, as they were about to board their flight to London on the night of 25 April this year. They had been browsing in the duty free shop at the airport, and were later approached by security guards, who twice asked to search their bags. Mr Ingram and Ms Xi were told they had to pay

hello comrades, Received this email scam recently. Have read one of such where the conman was taken for a ride & had even gone to the extent of getting himself tattooed Maybe can someone reply to them that we believed in instant coffee..not instant wealth Peace be upon you (Assalam Alaikum). > > After having gone through your profile, I prayed and decide to confide in > you for this simple and sincere business bearing in mind that one has to > take some risk at times to survives trial times. > > I am Miss.Fatima Morad 18 yrs of age, from United Arab Emirate (UAE). The > only daughter to the late MR & MRS. IBRAHIM MORAD who establish his cocoa > and coffee farm at GHANA here in West Africa I escaped from our country > immediately my both parents where murdered by his business partners As a > result of greed and instability on accounting concerning their cocoa and > coffee export business, my father established his cocoa and coffee export > business in Ghana were he took the whole family to reside for past twenty > six years. > > He went back to UAE for the sales of his property, and was shot and killed > by the hired assasine to take over the his properties and business in the > country. The death of my father and mother has now made me an orphan and > there by exposing me to danger. > > Before his unfortunate death, my late father told me that he deposited a > funds in an escrow account totaling the sum of $25,250,000.00 million > United States dollars with the barclays Bank of Ghana. As a result of the > present insecurity of lives and property in this country, I wish to > request that you assist me transfer this Funds in your country since I am > still under age. > > Again to assist me with a letter of invitation that will make me get a > visa to your country for residence in order for me to continue my > education and to invest the fund in a valuable business venture. I am > willing to give you 25% while 5% has been earmarked for expenses. I shall > attach to you by email all the legal documents that is backing this my > Inheritance Funds making it 100% risk and free, when next I hear from you. > If this is acceptable to you, please you can contact me for way forward. > Thanks and remain bless. > Best regards, > Ms. Fatima Morad. [email protected]

Had been receiving several e-mails from different friends in regards to a warning of phone scam ........ The e-mail message as : VERY Important Msg for all mobile phone users Don't press #90 or #09 If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press # 90 or #09 or any other number.End this call immediately without pressing any numbers. There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your 'SIM' card and make calls at your expense. This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia. There are over 3 Million mobile phones being infected by this virus in all around the world now. Just wonder, any truth in this message ..... So far, I had not received such calls. Anyone here does received such call and care to share .

Nothing new or special. But this idiot called all the extensions (25 lines) in my office either claiming that he had kidnapped your child or pretend to be a child shouting in distress. I picked up one of the call (conference room) and threatened to call the police. But he still continue. So, be careful.

Happen to my auntie this morning. Rec'd a call from a china man saying her son is with him, asking to deposit 10k to a china a/c if not he will beat up her son. Kudos to POSB, when she went to withdraw the money, they ask her what is it for? She said to remit money to china, they ask if she know the person, she said no. And the refused to let her withdraw the money. To summarised, after that she called her son and found out he is in school. Pls be aware

Within 3 days, 4 posting by a single member here surfaced on the same topics albeit different subject title on a certain group of people(leading a different lifestyle). However I noted that within a reasonably short time, all except one remained in the forum. I believed they were removed by the Admin/Mod. Kudos to them. The reason I see that that one remained on this forum is simply - we agree to disagree. But what is this member trying to do? - starting so many postings at about the same time on the same topics.