Lim Swee Heong (bullbearnme Swee): Online Privacy

I’m Lim Swee Heong, also known online as bullbearnme Swee. Last year, I received private messages on Moomoo from an account whose messages made me uncomfortable. Separately, I have experienced ongoing online harassment for approximately eight to nine months, including allegations, defamation, and disclosure of my personal information without my consent.

My friend Tracy Do Thi Lan Anh also had her personal information obtained and disclosed without her consent, after which she experienced harassment alongside me. I believe the suspect was responsible for that disclosure, but responsibility remains a matter for the ongoing legal process.

The person messaging me claimed she was connected to a local “stock guru,” said she had a group, and asked whether I had one too. She then repeatedly asked for my personal information. I did not share it, and I reported the account and messages to Moomoo support.

I cannot independently verify who operated the messaging account or establish a connection between those messages, the disclosure of my personal information and the harassment. However, Singapore Police have identified a suspect in the harassment matter. This does not establish that the suspect operated the messaging account. The matter is still going through the legal process.

I’m sharing my experience to encourage caution, not to identify an account operator or present an unproven accusation as an established fact.

A familiar name does not establish trust

Investment communities can be useful places to exchange ideas and learn from others. However, a private message mentioning a familiar investor, a “guru” or an investment group does not establish the sender’s identity, authority or intentions.

There may be legitimate reasons for people to discuss groups. The concern arises when a conversation turns into persistent requests for personal information, pressure to move elsewhere, or requests that cannot be independently verified.

You do not owe a stranger your personal details. You can decline a request, end a conversation or report messages that concern you without continuing the discussion.

Protect your information before sharing it

Before answering an unsolicited message, consider what the person is requesting and why they need it. Avoid sending identification documents, account credentials, passwords, verification codes or financial information through private community messages.

Do not assume that a profile photograph, follower count or claimed connection proves someone is genuine. Where a person claims to represent an organisation or recognised individual, verify that claim through a separate, trusted channel—not merely through another link or account supplied by the sender.

Be cautious about screenshots too. A screenshot of a trading account, transaction or conversation may reveal your name, account number, contact details or other information you did not intend to disclose.

Preserve evidence and use reporting tools

If a conversation becomes suspicious, stop sharing information. Preserve the relevant messages, account handle, profile link and dates before blocking the account, where possible.

Use the platform’s reporting tools and explain exactly what happened. Distinguish what the messages actually said from what you suspect. Keeping the original records can help the platform assess your report without relying on speculation.

If your identification information has been exposed, avoid reposting it publicly while trying to explain the problem. Keep the evidence securely and report the disclosure through the appropriate channels.

If you suspect fraud, threats, harassment or another offence, report the circumstances to the Singapore Police through its official reporting channels. Provide an accurate account and the evidence you have. A report requests investigation; it does not itself establish someone’s guilt.

Responding to harassment without amplifying it

When allegations circulate online, it can be tempting to answer every post or repeat every accusation while defending yourself. However, doing so can draw further attention to the material and expose more personal information.

My approach is to preserve relevant evidence, dispute the allegations through measured statements, and address the matter through the proper legal channels. I do not want to encourage speculation about who operates an account or invite others to contact or confront anyone.

Where friends are affected, their privacy matters too. Their names, messages and personal circumstances should not be shared publicly without their agreement.

A suggestion for Moomoo

I would welcome stronger safeguards against impersonation and the misuse of multiple community accounts. One option worth considering is proportionate identity verification, supported by clear privacy protections and secure handling of verification information.

Verification need not mean displaying users’ legal identities publicly. Platforms should consider how to improve accountability while protecting legitimate users’ privacy.

Identity verification alone cannot prevent every scam or stop someone from attempting to misuse several accounts. Clear reporting tools, timely investigations and appropriate action against abusive behaviour are also important.

These are suggestions for stronger safeguards, not claims about Moomoo’s current verification requirements or a finding that the platform caused my information to be disclosed.

My reminder to other users

My experience has reinforced the importance of boundaries in online conversations. A request made politely—or accompanied by a familiar name—still deserves scrutiny when it concerns personal information.

You can participate in investment discussions without sharing sensitive details with people who contact you privately. Take your time, verify independently, preserve evidence when necessary and report behaviour that concerns you.

I have reported the messages I received to Moomoo support. I continue to dispute the allegations circulating about me and am addressing the matter through the proper legal channels.

Related reading: Moomoo community anti-fraud post.

A statement from Lim Swee Heong.

By Swee

Also published on Medium: Lim Swee Heong: Protecting Personal Information in Investment Communities