We refer to the letter by Mr Wang Sucheng, “Hope the Police will set up a fraud reporting hotline” (June 20).
Members of the public can get information on scams or report scams through the following ways:
Information on scams
- www.scamalert.sg is an online resource portal where the public can learn about the various scam types and the steps they can take to avoid falling prey.
- Members of the public can call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688 to obtain information or advice on scams.
Reporting scams
- Scam messages and calls can be reported through the ScamShield mobile app. The app identifies scam SMSes, and filters them or notifies users. It also blocks calls from phone numbers that were used in other scam cases, or which were reported by ScamShield users.
- Those who have information on scams can also call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit the information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness or via the Police@SG mobile app.
To prevent scam calls, IMDA has worked with the telecommunication companies to block spoofed numbers from overseas. The Police work with the companies to terminate mobile lines found to have been used for scams.
To enforce against scammers and recover scam proceeds, the Police work with more than 90 institutions, including local and foreign banks, card security groups, fintech companies, cryptocurrency houses, and remittance service providers in Singapore.
As most online scams are perpetrated by scammers based outside of Singapore, the Police also work with foreign counterparts to conduct joint operations. We have busted 37 transnational scam syndicates over the past two years and arrested more than 330 syndicate members. Notwithstanding, recovery is generally very difficult for monies that have been transferred outside of Singapore. The success of the Police’s efforts also depends on the level of cooperation from and the capabilities of the overseas law enforcement agency.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION)
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
23 June 2023 @ 8:00 AM