The threat of scams is constantly evolving in S’pore. Here’s how you can protect yourself.

These days, scams seem to be everywhere.

Earlier in August 2024, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) released a report which highlighted how Singaporeans have lost at least S$385.6 million to a variety of scams in the first six months of 2024.

This includes scams such as e-commerce scams, job scams, investment scams and even scams involving the impersonation of government officials.

Scams can now range from social media ads to phone calls pretending to be government officials

If you’ve ever seen an advertisement on social media promoting the sale of a product at an extremely low price, complete with a link to get your hands on said product, chances are you might have just seen a scam advertisement.

This was what happened in December 2023 when at least 19 victims suffered losses amounting to at least S$7,000 after they fell victim to a luggage scam impersonating 'iShopChangi' & ‘Rimowa’.

In another case in November 2023, a family lost their life savings of more than S$150,000 when they came across a Facebook advertisement for eggs and ended up disclosing bank login details through an app provided by scammers, according to CNA.

Then there are the phone calls impersonating officials which have also resulted in substantial losses.

In at least two cases, S$73,000 was lost to robocalls claiming to be from Singapore’s own Anti-Scam Centre (ASC).

It’s not a stretch to say that scams are constantly striving to be as convincing as possible.

Fortunately, there are now better tools to help us combat a constantly-evolving threat.

Filter out scam calls and messages with the ScamShield app

The ScamShield Suite is part of Singapore’s broader efforts to combat the growing problem of digital fraud and scams, and one of the four key resources under the suite is the Scamshield app. You can download it to better protect yourself from SMSes and phone call scams.

The ScamShield app was enhanced in August 2024 with features such as an enhanced scam reporting process.

The app can help identify whether a message is likely a scam and also provide users with step-by-step instructions to configure their phones to block scam calls and detect scam messages.

In addition, users are now able to submit screenshots as part of the enhanced scam reporting function.

This is in addition to the option to manually input text in the app.

After users submit their scam report — either by keying in text or submitting a screenshot — ScamShield will analyse the content and promptly inform users whether the message, phone number or website link is likely malicious or not.

If a potential scam is detected, ScamShield will caution users against sharing sensitive information, such as bank account details or one-time passwords (OTPs).

Numbers verified to have made scam calls or sent scam messages will then be added to ScamShield’s blocklist, and they will no longer be able to be used by scammers.

Quickly take action with the ScamShield Helpline

If you feel there is something amiss, you can call the 24/7 ScamShield helpline 1799.

The helpline was previously 1800-722-6688 but has since been shortened to 1799 so that people can remember it better.

If you are overseas, you can call the helpline at +65 63908379.

Members of the public can immediately call the helpline if they suspect they are being targeted, would like to check if something is a scam, or want to receive advice on how to protect themselves from scams.

The helpline can also redirect a call to any of the seven major banks operating in Singapore if people want to freeze their bank accounts.

The seven banks are DBS, UOB, OCBC, Citibank, Maybank, Standard Chartered, and HSBC.

Joining ScamShield’s messaging platform channels

You can also join ScamShield’s Alert social channels on WhatsApp or Telegram to receive up-to-date information on the latest type of scams and more.

These channels were established by the National Crime Prevention Council to share scam alerts with members of the public who are encouraged in turn to spread the information about scams to their friends and loved ones.

For example, in the lead-up to Black Friday, ScamShield’s Telegram channel released a warning about scams in the guise of e-commerce platform ads and official apps.

These channels will also issue periodic reminders from time to time about how you can better protect yourself from scams and can serve as effective ways of informing your relatives.

Check out the ScamShield website with its range of anti-scam resources

There is also the ScamShield website which contains a range of resources and information about scams.

You can also keep abreast of the latest scam trends with the website’s monthly scams bulletin issued by the police.

The issue of scams needs constant vigilance

Perhaps most importantly, while there are now many tools at our disposal for protection, scams require constant vigilance.

According to the August 2024 report, 86 per cent of the scams in the first half of 2024 involved self-effected transfers.

The scammers did not gain direct control of the victims' accounts but manipulated the victims into performing the monetary transactions instead.

It therefore doesn’t hurt to be a little more wary of the messages you receive and verifying them with the ScamShield app.

You can also call the helpline if you are unsure about whether the situation you are facing is a scam.

A little more caution can go a long way in protecting your hard-earned savings.

This sponsored article by the Singapore Police Force made the author a little more wary of phone calls

Left photo via IRAS, right image via Canva