'Only later did I realise how stupid I was': Retiree, 85, almost loses $110k to tech support scam
SINGAPORE - As Jim (not his real name) was checking e-mails on his computer, a pop-up saying his device was blocked for security reasons suddenly filled the screen.When the retired businessman, 85, called the number shown, a scammer impersonating technical support staff told him the police needed to be informed.Despite not being among the top 10 scam types, the amount lost to technical support scams rose from $769,000 in the first half of 2025 to $4.9 million during the same period in 2026.The police said the number of such scams rose by almost 50 per cent, from 33 cases in the first six months of 2025 to 49 cases during the same period in 2026.Speaking to the media on Sept 2, Jim said a fake policeman called him and said his account had been used by someone to transfer illicit funds."He even said to me: 'I'm glad you're on the line with me, because you can help me catch this culprit.'"Convinced he was speaking to the authorities, Jim gave the scammer details of the joint OCBC Bank account he shared with his wife and almost lost $110,000, the bulk of his life savings."Only later did I realise how stupid I was," said Jim.