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Beware of Impersonation Scams

Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call. Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. Learn about the latest scam updates at scamshield.gov.sg.

Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
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<SCAM ALERT> Public advisory on scammers impersonating IPOS staff 2024

3 June 2024

IPOS issued a public advisory warning of scammers impersonating its staff via phone, SMS, and email. IPOS clarified it will not request personal information or payments over these channels and advised vigilance.

1 Be vigilant and exercise caution as scammers claiming to represent IPOS may target you via SMS, phone calls or emails.

2 Some members of the public have received emails from persons purporting to be from IPOS, informing them of IP infringement with dubious file links, and asking for urgent action.

3 IPOS will not request personal details or inform you about infringement cases or direct you to make a payment over phone, SMS or emails. IPOS will also not contact you regarding any overseas IP filing. All emails from IPOS will also be from addresses ending with “@ipos.gov.sg”.

4 To avoid falling victim to such scams, members of the public who receive such emails and/or calls should adopt the following measures:

  • Do not click any links, download, nor open any files from such emails, as they may contain viruses.

  • Report any scam cases to ScamShield here, or lodge a police report via the SPF online E-Report or at the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC).

  • Do not provide the email sender and/or caller with your personal information like your name, or identification number.

  • Be vigilant and ignore emails and/or calls asking for urgent action from you.


5 IPOS takes such incidents seriously and has made a police report. We are working closely with the authorities on investigations to prevent further cases.

6 When in doubt, please check directly with IPOS at ipos_enquiry@ipos.gov.sg or 6339 8616.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF SINGAPORE

3 June 2024

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