Don’t Be Fooled: How to Spot Fake ICA Letters and Student Pass Scams

Moving to a new country like Singapore is an exciting step, but it can also make students vulnerable to scams.

Recently, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued a public advisory about forged letters using their official letterhead and signatures. These scams often target international students applying for Student Passes.

At Hanbridge Institute, your safety is our priority. Here’s how you can protect your application and your finances.

Official ICA Singapore sample of a forged letter and fake signature used in student pass scams targeting international students.
Image Credit: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Singapore.

3 Red Flags of a Forged ICA Letter

How to Identify a Scam Early

  1. Requests for Personal Bank Transfers
    ICA will never ask you to transfer money to a personal bank account or through methods such as cryptocurrency or gift cards. Any request of this nature is a clear warning sign.
  2. Generic or Incorrect Email Addresses
    Official ICA communication will only come from email addresses ending with @ica.gov.sg. Emails from domains like @gmail.com or @outlook.com should not be trusted.
  3. Threats of Immediate Deportation
    Scammers often use fear to pressure students into acting quickly. Official processes do not involve sudden threats. Legitimate communications will always include clear procedures and timelines.

How to Verify Your Status Safely

Protecting Yourself with the Right Steps

Check Official Sources Directly
Always visit the official ICA website (www.ica.gov.sg) to verify any information. Avoid clicking on links sent through SMS, WhatsApp, or unfamiliar emails.

Use Hanbridge Support for Verification
All Hanbridge students have access to our Student Support Team. If you receive any suspicious letter or message, you can send it to us for verification. We will guide you through the correct steps using official channels.

 

Contact us at:
Whatsapp: (+65) 8066 5486
Office number: (+65) 6513 0552
Email: contact@hanbridge.edu.sg

Final Thoughts

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially for international students navigating a new system.

Staying informed and cautious is key. If something feels urgent or unusual, take a step back and verify before taking action.

At Hanbridge Institute, we are committed to supporting our students beyond academics — ensuring a safe and secure journey as you study in Singapore.

Sources
https://www.ica.gov.sg/news-and-publications/newsroom/media-release/public-advisory-on-fake-letters-bearing-ica-letterhead-and-forged-signature