The Singapore Police Force (SPF), National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and Open Government Products (OGP) jointly launched the ScamShield Suite of resources at NCPC’s Gala Dinner, held on 27 September 2024. This marks the expansion of ScamShield from an app to a suite of anti-scam resources, which aims to enable members of the public to better protect themselves against scams. The suite of resources comprises the 24/7 ScamShield helpline, the ScamShield app, a new ScamShield website and social channels on WhatsApp and Telegram.
At the launch event held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Guest-of-Honour, Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, stressed that with the increase in scams and cybercrime, whole-of-society efforts remain critical in protecting and educating members of the public on scams. To complement the existing anti-scam measures by the Government and private and community partners, the ScamShield Suite seeks to empower people with resources they can easily adopt and use to protect themselves from scams.
Background of ScamShield
The ScamShield iOS app was first launched in November 2020 for members of the public to block scam calls, detect scam SMSes and share information on scams. The app was subsequently made available to Android users in September 2022. Since its inception, the ScamShield app has over 1,080,000 downloads across iOS and Android mobile devices. On 22 August 2024, OGP introduced further enhancements to the app, adding a new “Check for scams” feature which allows users to easily verify the legitimacy of suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links.
Improved access to anti-scam resources with ScamShield Suite
The launch of the ScamShield Suite supports the government’s efforts to improve public recall, access, and usage of anti-scam resources by consolidating the different anti-scam channels and initiatives under a single name. In a public poll commissioned by the SPF in January 2024 involving 1,000 participants, 82% agreed that consolidating the names of different anti-scam channels and initiatives under a single name would help with recall and usage of these resources. Most respondents from the survey also chose ScamShield as the name that best represents different anti-scam resources.
With the launch of the ScamShield Suite, existing anti-scam resources such as the NCPC anti-scam helpline and NCPC’s ScamAlert channels are now rebranded under ScamShield. The ScamShield Suite comprises the following anti-scam resources:
- 24/7 ScamShield helpline (1799)
- ScamShield app
- ScamShield website (www.scamshield.gov.sg)
- ScamShield Alert social channels available on WhatsApp and Telegram
New ScamShield website (www.scamshield.gov.sg)
To improve the accessibility of scam-related information and resources, the SPF, NCPC and OGP have consolidated anti-scam information online into a website (www.scamshield.gov.sg) that serves as a one-stop portal on scams. Examples of resources available on the website include advisories on the latest scam trends, steps to take if someone believes he/she had fallen prey to a scam, and protective actions individuals can take to enhance their scam resilience. An online chat function is also available on the website, which members of the public can use to chat with the ScamShield helpline operators.
Rebranding of NCPC anti-scam helpline (1800-722-6688) to the shortened ScamShield helpline (1799) and extension of operating hours
The current NCPC anti-scam helpline (1800-722-6688) has been rebranded to the ScamShield helpline, with its number shortened to four digits (1799) to aid public recall. Further enhancements include extending the operating hours of the helpline to 24/7, from its original operating hours of 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Members of the public can call the helpline anytime to check if they are unsure if something is a scam, or if they have any scam-related queries. The helpline can also channel callers to the seven major banks in Singapore, if members of the public suspect that they have fallen prey to a scam and would like to freeze their bank accounts.[1]
Rebranding of NCPC ScamAlert channels on WhatsApp and Telegram to ScamShield Alert
The NCPC’s existing ScamAlert channels on WhatsApp and Telegram, which currently have over 35,000 subscribers, have been rebranded to ScamShield Alert. These channels will continue to regularly push out scam-related advisories and bite-sized information to update subscribers on trending scam variants and ways to protect themselves from scams.
In summary, when using the ScamShield Suite resources, the public can:
- Check if something is a scam through the helpline, app, or website;
- Block scam calls and detect scam SMSes using the app;
- Report scams through the app; and
- Stay updated on scam trends and learn how to safeguard themselves via the website and social channels.
Resilient and vigilant community key in fight against scams
Strong community partnerships have been crucial in maintaining Singapore’s safety and security. To tackle scams, Government agencies, community partners, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and online platform service providers work closely, to swiftly intervene in potential scam cases and educate the public on how to avoid becoming victims. More than $500,000 was raised from generous corporate and individual donors at the NCPC Gala Dinner to support crime prevention initiatives. To further amplify anti-scam messages and available resources, the SPF is also working with the Federation of Merchants Association to roll out coffee cups with anti-scam messages at coffeeshops, starting with a pilot at Boon Lay Hawker Centre from October 2024.
While the Government and our partners are committed to keeping Singapore safe and secure, a resilient and vigilant community remains a key part of our defense against scams. 86% of total reported scams in the first half of 2024 had involved mostly self-effected transfers, which may be a result of deception and social engineering involving an array of complex scam methods. Individuals must continue to play their part in strengthening their resilience against scams. We urge the public to actively utilise the ScamShield Suite of resources to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from scam threats.
Left to right: Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck, MOS Sun Xueling, Min K. Shanmugam, Chairman of NCPC, Mr Gerald Singham, Director of OGP, Mr Li Hongyi launching the ScamShield Suite▼
The ScamShield Suite will include four anti-scam resources▼
Example of enhanced Check for Scams feature in ScamShield app▼
Screenshot of www.scamshield.gov.sg landing page▼
ScamShield helpline operators co-located at SPF’s Anti-Scam Centre▼
Example of ScamShield Alert WhatsApp and Telegram channels sharing latest scam trends▼
[1] The seven major banks in Singapore include DBS/POSB, UOB, OCBC, Citibank, Maybank, Standard Chartered, and HSBC
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
27 September 2024 @ 9:10 PM