NDP Ticket Scams Target Eager Attendees

Nation Celebrates 60th Birthday Amidst Fraudulent Sales

Singaporeans eager to attend the upcoming National Day Parade (NDP) are falling victim to sophisticated e-commerce scams, with at least five incidents reported since the start of July. The fraudulent schemes, primarily operating through platforms like Telegram and Facebook, have collectively defrauded victims of approximately S$250.

How the Scams Unfold

Scammers are luring interested buyers with fake listings for NDP tickets. Upon expressing interest, potential purchasers are instructed to make payments via PayNow. The victims only realize they’ve been swindled when the promised tickets never arrive, or the perpetrators become unreachable.

NDP Tickets: Free, Not For Sale

Authorities are reminding the public that National Day Parade tickets are distributed free of charge through a balloting system via Singpass. The NDP executive committee has explicitly stated that re-selling tickets is strictly prohibited. Action will be taken against individuals involved in scalping or using tickets for fraudulent activities. Tickets acquired through unauthorized channels will be invalidated, and holders will be denied entry.

E-commerce Frauds on the Rise

The trend of NDP ticket scams highlights a broader issue. E-commerce fraud has emerged as the leading scam type in Singapore for 2024, with 11,665 cases reported and over S$17.5 million lost. This underscores the prevalence of online deception and the need for increased vigilance.

Safeguarding Against Scams

As Singapore gears up for its 60th birthday celebration at the Padang on August 9, the police urge the public to exercise caution. It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of any sales listings before making payments and to report suspicious activities promptly. For more information and assistance regarding scams, individuals can visit scamshield.gov.sg or contact the ScamShield hotline at 1799.