Too Good to Be True: Scam Ads on Facebook Target Cost-of-Living Fears

As Singaporeans continue to navigate rising living costs, online scammers are capitalising on this vulnerability through misleading Facebook ads that appear sponsored and trustworthy. One common ruse making rounds involves fraudulent promotions claiming to offer unlimited MRT and bus rides at deeply discounted rates.

Images: Circular Connection

These ads often impersonate trusted brands like EZ-Link, showcasing sleek “anniversary edition” cards and falsely associating the promotion with national celebrations like SG60. They leverage language meant to comfort and convince—offering “6-month” or even “12-month” transport passes with just one click and payment through dubious third-party sites.

To add a layer of false credibility, these scam campaigns are now going a step further. Fake user profiles are planted in the comment sections, posting photos of supposed purchases, praising the deal, and encouraging others to act quickly. Some claim the card is a “limited edition” or “meaningful collectible,” while others reinforce the urgency by stating how quickly it “sold out.”

This manipulation creates a false sense of social proof, making the scam appear legitimate to unsuspecting users. In reality, these are orchestrated tactics to lure people into making payments or sharing personal data.

Image: Circular Connection

Why It’s a Problem

Facebook’s low regulation of advertisement content allows such paid scam ads to bypass scrutiny. Despite being sponsored, these ads do not always go through proper checks, allowing malicious actors to exploit a trusted platform and reach mass audiences.

What You Should Do:

• Be cautious of ads offering unlimited transport rides at unusually low prices

• Avoid clicking on links unless they lead to official government domains

• Do not trust user comments or images that celebrate purchases without verified sources

• Use Facebook’s “Report Ad” feature to flag suspicious content

• Always check details through official transport websites or trusted news sources

Scammers prey on financial worry and familiarity. If an offer feels too generous or too easy, it may be part of a deliberate deception. Spread the word and stay alert—not just for yourself, but for those who may be more vulnerable to such tricks.