Month: August 2022

What to do if you click on a suspicious link

Post author By Dennis
Post date August 29, 2022
No Comments on What to do if you click on a suspicious link

Even the most vigilant of us might be distracted for a second or two – and that’s all it takes to unintentionally click on a suspicious link.

What should you do if you’ve unintentionally clicked on a link that could cause you to fall victim to an online scam?

TEXT: MELODY TAN

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

By now, most of us are more than familiar with scams like bank-related phishing attempts, fake tech support and investment fraud – the top three most common scams in Singapore. After all, they’ve been highlighted in the news and other media.

But even the most well-informed netizen might still fall for a suspicious link, especially when distracted or tired. According to author and psychologist Maria Konnikova, anybody can be a successful scam target under the right circumstances.

Even if one doesn’t fall for the scam entirely, just clicking on the link could lead to unwanted consequences. In the worst case scenario, losses can occur even without giving away one’s personal details or passwords. Since January this year, over S$7.1 million has been lost in Singapore to tech support scams, in which victims granted scammers remote access to their devices.

So what can you do after you’ve clicked on a link that turns out to be a phishing website, or a suspicious download? There are steps you can take – as long as you act immediately.

CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD

If you’ve logged into an Internet banking link that turns out to be a phishing imitation, try to immediately change your password on the legitimate banking app or website. Every second counts in a situation like this, as scammers can siphon out your money in a matter of minutes.

If you’re in the habit of recycling passwords, make sure to change your password everywhere else that you’ve used it. Set up a new, individual password for each app or website. Tools like password managers to help with this.

SCAN YOUR SYSTEM

If you’ve been duped into installing any apps or programmes, uninstall them immediately.

Next, scan your device with anti-virus software to ensure that the link you’ve clicked on – or the attachment you opened – hasn’t managed to install nasty malware.

Often, scammers may send out e-mails with links that pretend to be for online shopping deals or interesting news articles. These lead to websites which require you to click a download link to view videos or access more content – and thus unwittingly install malware on your device. The malware creates a backdoor that allows scammers to remotely access your computer, collecting passwords, files and information that can be used to steal your money and even your identity.

While you scan your computer, make sure it isn’t connected to the Internet so that scammers can’t access it or infect other devices in your network.

TELL YOUR BANK AND WATCH YOUR FINANCES

If your banking or credit card information has been handed over to the scammers, notify your bank so that they can take steps to safeguard your money.

This can include freezing your accounts and ensuring that transactions are allowed to be processed only when the customer confirms their legitimacy, or notifying the customers of any significant changes in their banking activities.

The Anti-Scam Command (ASC) of the Singapore Police Force (SPF)’s Commercial Affairs Department works closely with financial institutions on initiatives like Project Frontier, which enables bank accounts to be swiftly frozen if they are suspected to be involved in scammers’ operations. This has helped in the recovery of over S$200 million for scam victims since 2019, and the ASC is now working to bring on board other bank representatives by the third quarter of this year.

After notifying the bank, it’s best to keep an eye on your accounts and credit cards over the next few weeks. Scrutinise even the most minor transactions to ensure everything is accounted for, as scammers may start with small amounts before working their way up to larger ones.

MAKE A POLICE REPORT

If you’ve lost money to the scammers, file a police report. Even if your money can’t be clawed back, you’ll be alerting the authorities to the presence of a scam – and you might be able to help others in danger of being scammed.

In addition, if the link you clicked on was a fraudulent imitation of a real website or company, let them know so they can warn their customers or clients. You can also report the phishing attempt to the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT).

DOWNLOAD SCAMSHIELD

Finally, download ScamShield to lower the chances of this from happening again.

Developed by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Government Technology Agency, ScamShield uses artificial intelligence algorithms to filter out SMSes and phone calls that are made and sent by scammers. The AI algorithm catches SMSes that are likely to be spam and filters them into a junk SMS folder while also sending them to the NCPC and SPF to be collated.

ScamShield is also able to compare incoming call phone numbers against a list that is regularly updated by the SPF to determine if the number has previously been used for illegal purposes. If the answer is yes, the call is blocked. To help fight scammers, users can also report scam messages from popular chat apps like WhatsApp, Wechat and Viber using ScamShield’s in-app reporting tool.

Remember, while clicking on the wrong link can happen to anyone, staying calm and taking action can help prevent you from losing it all. It’s also important to be aware of the common scams in Singapore that begin with a click of a link. Here are some tips on how you can verify the links before falling victim to a phishing scam.

Shape Up

Futsal FTW!

Fitness Workz trainer Mohammad Ashraf is also a futsal aficionado who enjoys the game’s high-intensity.

Futsal lovers are dusting off their shoes as they hit the courts once again. We speak to a Fitness Workz trainer to find out why and how the sport benefits you.

TEXT: NICHOLAS JACOB

PHOTOS: MOHAMMAD ASHRAF & NUR ADLINA BINTE ADAM

Futsal is a fan-favourite ball sport that has enjoyed a rapid resurgence with fans flocking to courts to realise long-overdue meetup plans with their usual kakis.

And it’s easy to see why. It is very much an enthusiast’s sport, with fans loving the adrenaline-packed action and the sense of community it fosters.

AN ACTION-PACKED PLAYING FIELD

The defining trait of futsal is its fast-paced, pick-up style nature.

It takes place on a smaller field of play compared to football. It requires constant, short sprints. With smaller teams, each individual player is also generally more engaged and involved throughout the course of a match, compared to football games.

According to Fitness Workz trainer Mohammad Ashraf Bin Jamal, who is a fan of the sport himself, this makes for an addictive, high-intensity game.

“You are constantly sprinting within that small field and keeping pace with other players throughout the game. Because of the small field, players must move quickly.”

While typical football matches take place on a huge field, placing more emphasis on running long distances and the cardiovascular aspect of fitness, Mr Ashraf believes futsal focuses more on agility, acceleration, and speed.

“It is such a fast-paced sport that players must constantly be on their toes, always ready to anticipate the ball at a very close distance between teammates and opponents,” he explained.

SOCCER AND FUTSAL: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN

Like football, each player on the futsal field has a specialised role.

There are 5 different positions in futsal – the goalkeeper, two wingers, the pivot, and the defender. Each of these requires a unique set of skills but all roles share the same fundamental skills.

According to Mr Ashraf, starting with the basics is key to getting the maximum enjoyment out of the sport.

“In general, every player should master the basics like ball control, long or short passing and tackling. I feel as a player you should master the basics first. From there, you can then focus on other specific skill sets to elevate your mastery of the sport,” he elaborated.

“Having a good understanding of the basics is very important because it helps the team better communicate and assess the situation on the spot. This places players on the same page, which enhances communication and cultivates a great team dynamic,” he added.

Mr Ashraf notes that one of the best aspects of futsal is how easily the skills translate for an experienced football player. This makes the futsal community a potentially massive one, meaning you’re never quite going to find yourself lacking when putting together a few stacks to organise a pick-up game.

THE LOVECHILD OF FITNESS AND COMMUNITY

It goes without saying that futsal is a fantastic form of aerobic activity.

“Futsal generally improves overall fitness levels if played regularly. For example, improved lung health and increased lung capacity are one of many benefits that you can gain from just playing futsal on its own,” shared Ashraf.

Moreover, engaging in sports like futsal can also be great for your social and emotional wellbeing, creating positive benefits for one’s mental health.

“Through playing futsal, you can put your communication skills to great use as you coordinate with teammates and socialise with the community. This helps to both foster new bonds with other players, as well as to further develop friendships,” explained Ashraf.

PREPPING FOR PLAY

Fitness and futsal go hand-in-hand, which means that the game can be a powerful motivator to build up your general fitness as well as to develop physical abilities specific to the sport.

For starters, Ashraf notes that swimming and high intensity interval training (HIIT) are great forms of exercise relevant to futsal to improve overall body fitness.

“Swimming engages almost the entirety of an individual’s body. It also involves a lot of cardiovascular and muscular endurance which can further improve performance in physical activity,” he shared.

“At Fitness Workz Premium at HomeTeamNS Khatib, we offer HIIT classes. HIIT classes involve moving quickly from one cardio exercise to the next to keep your heart rate high. This type of training focuses on muscular endurance, agility, speed, power, and cardiovascular endurance. Every physical aspect that HIIT develops is crucial during a futsal match, because an individual’s overall fitness often can make the difference between winning or losing a match,” he added.

HomeTeamNS also offers a Futsal Clinic for younger futsal fans looking to become the next soccer star. These clinics, conducted every Saturday by an experienced coach from the Football Association of Singapore, help give children a head start with an all-rounded learning experience.

Whether young or old, it’s never a bad time to try out a new sport and the futsal courts at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok are a good place to start. You might find that first foray into the futsal field turning into lifelong experiences with a sport you may grow to adore, alongside the friends you’ll make along the way.

Club Buzz

More movie goodness, now on your HomeTeamNS mobile app

Post author By Dennis
Post date August 25, 2022
No Comments on More movie goodness, now on your HomeTeamNS mobile app

The HomeTeamNS Mobile App update has enabled in-app bookings of 1-For-1 Cathay Cineplex movie tickets. It was recently launched at Cathay Cineplex Cineleisure.

Booking 1-for-1 movie tickets at Cathay Cineplexes just became much easier, thanks to a HomeTeamNS Mobile App update.

TEXT: AUDRINA GAN

IMAGES: HOMETEAMNS

Getting your fill of epic big-screen action with your friends or loved ones just got much easier, with the ease of in-app bookings of 1-For-1 Cathay Cineplex movie tickets.

The update was officially launched at Cathay Cineplex Cineleisure on 15 July 2022, marking a new milestone in the partnership between HomeTeamNS and Cathay Cineplexes.

The event was attended by more than 50 guests including HomeTeamNS President, Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who is also the Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development; Ms Agnes Eu, Chief Executive of HomeTeamNS and Mr Chang Long Jong, CEO of mm2 Group.

TAKING SEAMLESS CONVENIENCE TO A NEW LEVEL

Assoc Professor Faishal said HomeTeamNS has been on a digitalisation journey since 2020. “One of the key goals of this journey was to build a seamless and convenient experience for our members as they enjoy the perks and privileges of the HomeTeamNS membership,” he explained.

Ms Eu said she was happy to see the healthy turnout at the event to celebrate HomeTeamNS’ new partnership milestone with Cathay Cineplex. “I’m also pleased that our app is well-received by our members,” she added.

Mr Chang noted that the new movie booking integration with the HomeTeamNS app would allow members to access the movie benefits more efficiently. He said this is part of the company’s efforts to give back to HomeTeamNS members. “After a two-year hiatus, we’re excited to return with a vengeance. We have a line-up of Hollywood, Asian and local movies coming up,” he added.

A MILESTONE FOR NS, AND A CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

As a frequent moviegoer who enjoys the big-screen surround-sound experience at the cinema, Assoc Professor Faishal said he uses the HomeTeamNS Mobile App regularly. “This year marks the 55th Anniversary of National Service. It is a significant milestone as we pay tribute to our NSmen for their contributions to keep Singapore safe and secure. We are thankful for corporates like Cathay Cineplexes that have stepped up to support our NSmen,” Assoc Professor Faishal added.

The HomeTeamNS-Cathay Cineplexes partnership began in 2018 offering members S$3 off Weekend movie tickets from Fridays to Sundays. This was later expanded into a 1-for-1 Weekend only promotion. Currently, members enjoy an exclusive “All-day 1-for-1 Movie Benefit” any day of the week. To date, the partnership has garnered 30,000 1-for-1 transactions, clearly showing the popularity of this entertainment benefit among HomeTeamNS members.

HAMMER TIME

Guests at the event also watched a complimentary screening of the Marvel superhero film Thor: Love and Thunder. Having hung up his hammer in search of inner peace, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is forced out of retirement to take on Gorr the God Butcher, who wants to eliminate all gods. Thor enlists the help of Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) to stop Gorr as mayhem ensues.

Till 31 March 2023, HomeTeamNS members can purchase an all-day F&B Combo at S$5 (U.P.S$9.80) through the app, which includes a regular soda and a medium popcorn.

To book tickets, login to the HomeTeamNS Mobile App, go to “Promotions”, and tap “1-for-1 Movie Tickets” under “Marketplace”. Click “Book Now” and enjoy your 1-for-1 movie tickets.

Each member can only purchase one pair of tickets per day. Redemptions are limited and are on a first-come-first-serve basis, while stocks last across Cathay Cineplexes in Singapore. Advanced bookings are also allowed in the HomeTeamNS App, with a standard online booking fee of S$1.50.

Download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App to uncover all your membership perks and get first dibs on promotions.

In The Force

NS55: Celebrating a 40-year bond and an even bigger brotherhood

Post author By Dennis
Post date August 24, 2022
No Comments on NS55: Celebrating a 40-year bond and an even bigger brotherhood

The Singapore Police Force’s 7th batch of officer cadet trainees recently celebrated their 40th anniversary reunion.

As Singapore celebrates NS55, we drop in on the 40th anniversary reunion of the 7th batch of officer cadet trainees from the Singapore Police Force.

TEXT: BENEDICT THAM
PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

In 2007, the 7th batch of Officer Cadet Trainees from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their National Service enlistment. Since then, this group has been organising reunions every 5 years. The easing of safe-distancing measures enabled them to celebrate their 40th anniversary reunion recently at the HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok Clubhouse.

As Singapore celebrates NS55, we gatecrashed their reunion to find out what National Service means to them and why they still keep in touch.

RUNNING BEFORE DAWN

The reunion kicked off with several NSmen sharing fond memories of their Officer Cadet Training (OCT) course like their pre-dawn runs.

“Our commander, Sri Kanthan, instilled a lot of fitness and discipline in us. We used to go for runs before sunrise, and he’d lead us. We would run around behind the Old Police Academy and we would all run in our various squads. Oh, it seemed like a never-ending run! You didn’t know when the run would end. Once it did, you’d feel very tired, but also very good!” shared Mr Richard Koh, 60. Mr Koh was one of the reunion organisers.

FORGING UNBREAKABLE BONDS

Over lunch, the NSmen listened to more speeches and watched video presentations by those who were unable to attend, and caught up with one another. Mr Gerald Paul Chew Cheng Huan, 58, who was also part of the organising committee for this year’s reunion, elaborated more on the unbreakable camaraderie forged amongst the ex-trainees.

“We bonded, not only within our own squad, but also between each squad (the trainees were grouped into four squads). We knew what everyone else was doing and tried to help each other. Even during our operational roles (when we were posted out), we would still call each other for advice on handling cases.”

STAYING IN TOUCH, OVER A VARIETY OF CHANNELS

Mr Chew added on with how the ex-trainees kept in touch with one another after their NS stint. “The collective experience forged in the early years of NS bonded us and helped us to stay in touch even throughout university and reservist life. In addition to WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram and individual calls, we continue to find more creative ways to stay in touch.”

After celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2007, the ex-trainees set up a WhatsApp group and even invited their previous instructors to join. They still congratulate each other on their birthdays, job promotions and other life milestones. Their former commander, Sri Kanthan, who is in his 70s now, continues to inspire his ex-trainees. He sends the group inspirational messages every morning in addition to maintaining his overall fitness.

CELEBRATING AN EVEN BIGGER ANNIVERSARY

As the 7th Batch of Officer Cadet Trainees gathered for their 40th anniversary of NS, Mr Yap Shao Peng, Assistant Commissioner of the SPF, who makes it a personal goal to attend every reunion found this year’s reunion a “happy and touching affair”. As their reunion coincided with the celebration of NS55, Mr Yap also explained how such cohesion events improved the morale of NSmen.

“NS55 is about acknowledging NS, the contributions of NSFs and NSmen to Singapore. Us getting together today, and other cohesion events, helps to reinforce the notion that NS is an essential institution in Singapore; the fact that we can gather after so many years shows that we cherish NS. NS lives on through these reunions!” he said.

Club Buzz

On the road to Kluang and Bekok

Post author By Dennis
Post date August 19, 2022
No Comments on On the road to Kluang and Bekok

Road trip enthusiasts, rev up! HomeTeamNS’ Auto Adventure Interest Group is back with an exciting weekend getaway up to Kluang and Bekok, Johor.

TEXT: NUR ADLINA BINTE ADAM

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS & SHUTTERSTOCK

HomeTeamNS’ Auto Adventure Interest Group (AAIG) is hitting the road again after a two-year hiatus. Founded in 2004 with the aim of bringing together HomeTeamNS members who are petrolheads, AAIG has organised numerous road trips to Malaysia including Terengganu and Cameron Highlands.

This time, AAIG members will be exploring Kluang and Bekok in Johor on Sept 3 and 4, 2022 via a guided drive. The journey to Kluang will begin at the HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok clubhouse at 6am. It’s the perfect weekend getaway up North to take a break from all the hustle and bustle!

SIGHTS TO BEHOLD

The two-day, one-night Kluang-Bekok Drive, will feature shop-till-you drop stops as well as chances to take in Malaysia’s natural beauty.

Coffee lovers can enjoy the aroma of freshly-ground coffee beans at the Kluang Coffee Powder Factory, and sip Television Brand coffee. The factory was founded in 1966 by Mr Goh Ting Tor at Jalan Mersing, with the aim of uniting family and friends over a cup of quality coffee.

Members in search of retail therapy will enjoy the shopping break at AEON BiG Kluang, before resting and recharging at Merdeka Hotel, Kluang for the night. Bekok Town’s famous street art will also offer numerous Insta-worthy moments.

Adventurous members will enjoy the visit to the Gunung Lambak Water Park/Recreational Park and Bekok-Takah Pengkoi Treehouse and Waterfall. Escape the heat and humidity by taking a dip in the natural pool surrounded by diverse green foliage and soak at the cooling waterfall!

Wind down at the Hakka Heritage Gallery at Bekok – where visitors can take in the area’s rich cultural heritage and historically significant vintage and antique artifacts.

ALL SET, AND READY TO GO

Before you head out, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a valid Touch and Go card. New Touch and Go cards are available at selected 7-Eleven and Cheers stores, and Caltex, Sinopec, Shell, and SPC petrol stations island-wide.

For AAIG members who are also HomeTeamNS members, the trip is priced at S$180 (inclusive of accommodation and entry to the attractions on the itinerary). Associate, Ordinary, Family, and Social HomeTeamNS Members, and the public can also join the trip at S$230 and S$250 respectively.

For more information on the trip fees and itinerary, do check out our website. Interested members can register for the trip here. Slots are limited for this trip and registration closes on 26 August 2022.

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