How to Steer Away from Scammers this Yuletide Season
I got scammed! I must admit, I recently fell victim to a scam. In my quest to purchase a luxury item for my mother as a Christmas gift to reward her hard work, I opted for a seemingly reputable online seller complete with video reviews and customer proof. Little did I know, everything was just a facade. After stumbling upon a Reddit thread, I discovered that the owner had successfully victimized numerous people this year, and they are collectively exploring legal avenues for recourse.
As we embrace the festive spirit of the Yuletide season, it is crucial to remain vigilant against potential scammers seeking to exploit the joyous atmosphere. With the heightened hustle and bustle during this time of year, individuals like the online shop scammer may become more prevalent.
This article aims to provide you with valuable insights on how to steer clear of scammers and safeguard yourself and your loved ones.
STAY INFORMED
Knowledge is your first line of defense against scammers. Stay informed about common scams circulating during this time. Scammers often adapt their tactics to match current events or holiday trends.
Be wary of phishing emails, fake charity solicitations, and fraudulent online shopping websites. Familiarize yourself with the latest scams to better recognize and avoid potential threats.
SECURE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE
Online shopping has become increasingly popular, making it a prime target for scammers. Ensure your online accounts are secure by using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication when available.
Verify the legitimacy of websites before making purchases, and only provide personal information on encrypted and trusted platforms.
MONITOR YOUR BANK STATEMENTS
Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements. You can also review your transactions via your banking app. Regularly review transactions to detect any unauthorized or suspicious activities promptly.
Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately to minimize potential losses and prevent further unauthorized access.
VERIFY CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
The Yuletide season often inspires charitable giving, but scammers may exploit this generosity. Before making any donations, research the legitimacy of the charity or organization
Use reputable platforms to contribute and be cautious of unsolicited donation requests. Legitimate charities will provide transparency about their mission and purpose, use of funds, and contact information.
IN A NUTSHELL
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Learn from my mistake. As you embrace the joy of the Yuletide season, prioritize your safety and security. Safeguarding yourself from scams ensures that the season remains a time of celebration, generosity, and peace.
Receive a free Apple iPad 9th Gen, Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) & more when you apply for selected cards with SingSaver
Bring home a brand new Apple iPad, Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer & more
There’s no better time to sign up for a credit card. From now till 14 December, SingSaver will be offering new cardmembers who sign up for a credit card with exclusive sign up gifts such as:
Choose one of the following gift:
Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65)
Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699)
Image via thefancypantsreport.com
Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509)
S$300 cash via PayNow
There will be no limit to the quota to be given away, so all new-to-bank applicants who meet the requirements can get a set each!
SingSaver has been around since May 2015 and they have simplify the decision-making process and enables users to find the best financial products that align with their specific needs and preferences. With its comprehensive database of credit cards, loans, savings accounts, and more, SingSaver provides users with the tools they need to navigate the complex landscape of financial products.
If you have not heard of SingSaver, you can read their reviews on Google here:
Choose from the credit cards below:
Citi PremierMiles Card
Earn your miles faster with one of the best cards for your travel needs. The Citi PremierMiles Card lets you redeem from the widest range of airlines, where 1 Citi Mile = 1 Mile, with KrisFlyer, Asia Miles, Qantas, Qatar, Flying Blue, and more. With no caps on miles earned, redeem your miles for flights, hotels and merchandises.
- Earn 1.2 miles for every S$1 spent on all your eligible purchases with your Card
- Earn 2 miles for every S$1 equivalent in foreign currency spent overseas on eligible purchases
- Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport VIP lounges twice per calendar year with Personalised Priority Pass membership card. Priority Pass membership is on application basis and reserved for Principal cardholders only.
Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow
Requirements: Activate and spend a minimum S$500 within 30 days of card approval
Citi Cash Back Card
Keep this card in your wallet. The Citi Cash Back Card is one of the best cash back card in the market, offering a whopping 8% cash back on your Groceries and Petrol, and 6% on dining, daily, worldwide. Subject to cash back cap of S$80 across all retail spend per statement month with a min. spend of S$800 per statement month.
Imagine this: every $800 spends get you $80 cash back in a month.That works out to be almost a thousand dollar of cash savings in a year!
Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow
Requirements: Activate and spend a minimum S$500 within 30 days of card approval
Citi Rewards Card
The Citi Rewards Card is a must-have card for those who always shop online using credit cards. Imagine earning 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) for every S$1 spent online each time you shop. For example, you can earn 4 miles per dollar on shopping transactions, online food delivery, online groceries, ride-hailing platforms with the Citi Rewards Credit Card. Often paired with the amaze card, you’ll be able to earn 4 miles per dollar on both local and overseas spend, up to S$1,000 per statement month. If you are looking for a versatile card, look no further than the Citi Rewards Card!
- Enjoy 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) on online and retail purchases at Lazada, Qoo10, TANGS and more.
- Earn 10X Rewards* (4 Miles) on rides with Grab, ComfortDelGro, Gojek and more
- Earn 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) on online food delivery
- Earn 10X Rewards^ (4 Miles) on online groceries
Earn 1X Reward on all other spend.
Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow
Requirements: Activate and spend a minimum S$500 within 30 days of card approval
Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard®
Not to be confused with the Cash Back Card, the Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard® is a new product launched by Citibank this year which offers a competitive 1.6% cashback on all spend categories with no cap and no minimum spend. In other words, you can accumulate as much cashback as you want each time you swipe you card. It does not expires and you can redeem it instantly on-the-go with Citi Pay with Points or for cash rebate via SMS.
Welcome gift: Receive 1x Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2″ WiFi 64GB (worth S$503.65) or a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (worth S$699) or a Dyson V8 Slim™ Fluffy (worth S$509) or S$300 Cash via PayNow
Requirements: Activate and spend a minimum S$500 within 30 days of card approval
How to redeem your rewards:
- Search for any of the cards that matches your spending habits
- Click on Apply Now and Enter your email address on the new page (SingSaver will be sending the redemption instructions here. Check SPAM folder if you don’t receive any emails)
- Click Apply via SingSaver’s unique link
- Complete the application form from the bank and remember to take a screenshot upon completion so you can take note of the application reference number (ARN). Here’s where to find it.
- Submit your Rewards Redemption Form and Choose your preferred rewards and submit the form.
- Important: If you did not received the Rewards Redemption Form, please check your SPAM folder in your email OR drop and email to [email protected] with your application details.
- Once you fulfill all the requirements (i.e. meeting the $500 mininum spend in 30 days from card approval), please allow some time for SingSaver and the bank to validate. Click here to understand more about the process.
You can click here to check the rewards redemption status.
For redemption follow-ups and enquiries, drop an email with your details to [email protected]
This promotion is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Apple, Dyson or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates. The names Apple, Dyson as well as related names are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
3 highly-rated live bands in Singapore for your wedding because live music is life
So everything’s more or less set for the wedding?
Wait, what about the music? Live music is an essential part of any wedding celebration if you believe that music is life.
Here are three of Singapore’s finest live bands that will help ensure your big day is full of joy and the right notes.
Merry Bees
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Website: merry-bees.business.site
Facebook reviews: 5 stars (180+ reviews)
Merry Bees have been perfecting their art for over 8 years, earning hundreds of 5-star reviews and thousands of happy customers along the way.
Their multilingual singers are expert entertainers who bring joy and merriment to every event with their lively performances. One customer even remarked that Merry Bees is “the best in the market for a very very reasonable price”.
Merry Bees can craft a setlist to suit your tastes and get your guests singing and dancing along in no time. Their energetic performances are guaranteed to make any wedding occasion truly one to remember.
A Little Dream Live Music
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Website: alittledream.com.sg
Facebook reviews: 5 stars (80+ reviews)
For over 20 years, A Little Dream has been a pioneer in bringing live music to life at weddings and corporate events in Singapore.
With a repertoire spanning classical, contemporary pop, rock, jazz, and more, their talented musicians and singers led by founder Bevlyn Khoo never fail to delight audiences. Bevlyn, a trilingual singer-songwriter with four albums under her belt, continues to charm crowds with her soulful voice and passion for music.
The band’s dedication to their craft and flair for transforming any event into an unforgettable celebration have earned them a loyal following as well as clients that include international brands.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale soiree, A Little Dream Live Music will make it a day/night to remember with their one-of-a-kind performances that are sure to have guests on their feet. Book them today and experience the magic of live music brought to you by the professionals at A Little Dream.
Musical Touch
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Website: musicaltouch.sg
Facebook reviews: 4.9 stars (420+ reviews)
Liven up your special day with a performance by Musical Touch.
For over a decade, their experienced wedding singers and emcees have been serenading brides, grooms, and guests on their big day. Whether you’re dreaming of a duet, full band, or orchestra to set the mood during your first dance, Musical Touch has a variety of options to suit your style.
Their professionally trained sound crews and musicians will ensure the music is flawless from start to finish while their emcees guide you through the program with grace and humor. Guests can even request their favorite songs and dedicate them to you, the happy couple.
As a guarantee of their quality, Musical Touch offers a full refund if their live band performance fails to meet your expectations on your wedding day. Book Musical Touch to make your wedding reception truly memorable with music that has your love story written all over it.
Booking a live band for your wedding in Singapore isn’t just about great tunes, it’s about creating buzzing energy with those musical notes. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate love than with live music that touches the soul. So, as you embark on this exciting journey of planning your nuptials, remember that the right live band can make your celebration truly come alive. Because live music, after all, is life! 🎶
Latest WFH internships posted from 20 to 23 November 2023
Believe it or not, today’s the last Friday of November 2023!
And that means we’re just days away from the last month of this year.
If you haven’t got an internship opportunity signed, it’s time to get those resumes sent. And to ease your search, here are the latest WFH internships posted this week.
#1: Tribe – Finance & Accounting Intern
Website: tribex.co
Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 monthly
Job Qualifications
- You are available for at least 4 months full-time starting from December 2023. 6 months commitment preferred.
- Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Accountancy or related disciplines
- Equipped with an understanding of the basic accounting principles
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and G Suite products
- Effective communication skills to build interpersonal relationships
- Strong time management skills with the ability to work without distraction
- Attention to high quality, details, and accuracy.
- Strong interpersonal, and team working skills.
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain daily operations of the accounting functions including accounts payable (AP), and accounts receivable (AR), and perform bank reconciliation
- Prepare and process the bi-weekly vendor payment
- Assist in the implementation and migration of the accounting system
- Prepare supporting documents for any audit submission
- Perform general administration tasks and other ad-hoc projects as assigned
How to apply?
View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].
#2: Aunty Pte Ltd – Marketing Intern
Website: aunty.sg
Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Ability to come up with creative ideas to attract target audiences through different aspects of marketing
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in graphic design and video production will be advantageous
- Self-motivated, dedicated, hands-on, and willing to go the extra mile
- Superb communication and influencing skills to work with different users and stakeholders
- Proactive, innovative, flexible, and willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities
- Able to work independently
Key Responsibilities
- Drive market growth through the acquisition and management of partnership leads
- Grow user base on various social media platforms and increase awareness of Aunty
- Frequent collaboration and involvement in campaigns
- Understand consumer insights quickly to drive acquisition and growth metrics
- Manage strategy, development, budget, and optimization of paid social and digital campaigns.
- Collaborate across teams to amplify content and develop ideas, copy, content, and strategy for brands and programs on social media.
How to apply?
View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].
#3: Style State (Australian Fashion Brand Launching In Asia) – Digital And Content Marketing Intern
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Website: stylestate.com.au
Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,200 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise in Social Media, Communications, or Brand Marketing roles will be a plus
- Strong multi-tasking and project management skills
- Desire to understand and apply social media best practices and trends
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Able to adapt and adjust on the fly, as fashion is affected by weekly changes in trends, weather, or current events
- Adept in Google Suite (Words, Slides, Sheets) and Adobe CC Suite
Key Responsibilities
- Brainstorm, manage, and develop content schedules, briefs, and assets for social channels
- Write compelling and creative copy and storyline to generate traffic and calls to action
- Run paid marketing campaigns across different segments to test which audiences are most engaged
- Influencer outreach to identify potential brand ambassadors who can represent Style State in Asia
- Ad-hoc content creation for social media channels – amplify content and build your brand by using your own channel!
How to apply?
View the job post in full here and write to Tim via this link.
#4: Studio Realize Pte Ltd – Graphic Designer Intern
Website: studio-realize.com
Allowance / Remuneration: $1,400 – 1,700 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Graphic Design or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Strong understanding of design principles and concepts.
- Excellent creativity and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Motion design and Illustration skills are a plus
Key Responsibilities
- Create visually appealing designs for print and digital materials, including brand identity, brochures, websites, social media, and more for a variety of clients (cultural Institutions, tech startups, cosmetic brands, and more.)
- Collaborate with the team to brainstorm creative ideas and solutions for client projects.
- Contribute to the development and promotion of the studio by creating creative marketing assets for the website and social media platforms. Design engaging visuals that represent Studio Realize’s identity.
- Assist with client meetings and presentations to ensure design concepts align with client expectations.
- Develop illustrations and/or graphic art for the online store. Create unique and eye-catching visuals that resonate with the target audience.
- Contribute to maintaining a high standard of quality and design consistency across all projects.
How to apply?
View the job post in full here and write to Alizee Sire via this link.
#5: Privilege Motors Pte Ltd – Social Media Marketing Executive (Internship)
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Website: privilegemotors.com.sg
Allowance / Remuneration: $900 – 1,500 monthly
Job Qualifications
- Cheerful with innovative ideas
- Familiarity with basic web design principles and content management.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist to manage and curate social media content across various platforms.
- Keep abreast of the latest social media trends, technologies, and best practices.
- Work closely with the Marketing, Sales, and Product Development teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging.
- Assist in team development and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
How to apply?
View the job post in full here and write to Sammy via this link.
Editor’s note: These internships are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some positions are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more deets, do contact the employer directly.
Smart Money Hacks for 2024
As we step into the final weeks of 2023, it’s time to break free from old financial habits and embrace money-saving strategies that can boost your income and savings.
ALWAYS HAVE A SHOPPING LIST
Heading into a grocery store without a plan can be a recipe for overspending. We’ve all been there, wandering aimlessly and ending up with a cart full of things we didn’t really need. Avoid this by always carrying a shopping list with you. Having a clear plan in place will help you stick to your budget and make wiser purchasing decisions.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
SEPARATE YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT
If impulse shopping has been an issue for you in the past, it’s essential to protect your savings from unnecessary spending. Keep your savings in a separate account, entirely distinct from your day-to-day spending. By creating this barrier, you make it more difficult to dip into your savings impulsively, promoting a healthier financial discipline.
MONITOR YOUR EXPENSES
Stay in control of your finances by cultivating a habit of tracking your expenses. Whenever you receive a paycheck, record it in your budget’s income category. Likewise, make sure to log every expenditure, whether it’s filling up your gas tank or treating yourself to a delightful charcuterie night. By keeping a close eye on your spending, you’ll be able to identify areas where you can save and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.
DELETE SHOPPING APPS
Did you know that 4 out of 5 Singaporeans give in to impulse purchases? With 54% of consumers admitting that shopping on mobile devices has led to increased spending, it’s time to take control. Cut down on impulsive buying by removing those shopping apps from your phone. Instead, opt for online shopping from your laptop or desktop where you can be more intentional with your purchases.
PRACTICE MINDFUL BUYING
Before you hit that “buy” button, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, “Is this the right time to make this purchase?” Give yourself some space between the desire to buy and actually making the purchase. Set a specific timeframe for consideration; for instance, commit to not checking out for 24 hours or even a few days after adding items to your cart. This simple money hack can be truly game-changing.
REGULAR BUDGET CHECK-INS
Whether you have ambitious financial goals as a family or just want to stay on top of your finances, communication is key. Schedule regular budget check-ins, either on a weekly or monthly basis, and involve everyone responsible for the family’s finances. By doing so, you can make informed decisions, track your progress, and work together towards achieving your financial objectives. Effective communication about family finances is vital, regardless of your specific goals.
CREATE A MINI-BUDGET FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES
No matter how well you manage your finances, there will inevitably be times when unexpected expenses arise. Rather than panicking and derailing your entire budget, it’s best to have a plan in place to handle these situations.
Consider creating a microbudget specifically for handling short-term unexpected expenses. Set aside a portion of your savings to serve as an emergency fund. This way, when unexpected costs arise, you can dip into this fund without disrupting your regular budget or long-term financial goals.
AVOID FREQUENT PHONE UPGRADES
Resist the temptation to constantly upgrade your mobile phone just to keep up with others. Telecommunication companies may entice you with appealing upgrade offers, but remember that you’ll end up paying for that phone through your monthly contract. Instead, focus on choosing a phone that meets your needs and holds its value over time, allowing you to save money in the long run.
REMOVE STORED CREDIT CARD INFORMATION
Increase your mindfulness and avoid impulsive online shopping by refraining from storing your credit card details on websites. When you have to enter your credit card information each time you make a purchase, it provides an essential pause to consider if the expense is necessary.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Additionally, by not saving your details, you reduce the risk of potential hacking and unauthorized access to your accounts. Keep your online shopping experiences deliberate and secure.