Fraudsters Steal $1.7M via Microsoft Tech Support Impersonation Scams

Since February 2026, at least $1.7 million has been lost in Singapore due to scams where fraudsters impersonate Microsoft technical support. Victims encounter pop-up alerts claiming their devices are compromised and are directed to contact a 'technical support officer.' After engaging with the scammers, victims are often misled into believing their devices are involved in illegal activities, leading them to make unauthorized bank transfers or provide sensitive information. The Singapore Police Force and Cyber Security Agency have issued a joint advisory urging the public to verify alerts through official channels and avoid interacting with suspicious pop-ups. Victims are advised to take immediate actions to secure their accounts and report incidents. The scams have affected at least 10 reported cases, highlighting a concerning trend in technical support fraud.

Key Points: • At least $1.7 million lost to Microsoft tech support scams since February 2026. • Victims are misled by pop-up alerts and instructed to transfer money or share sensitive information. • Authorities emphasize the importance of verifying alerts through official channels.