What is being done to address complaints about spam?

Over the last two weeks, I have been subjected to spam from different "credit companies" offering unsolicited fast loans and illegal online gambling.

I get these messages via SMS and WhatsApp, and even through phone calls.

I faithfully took screenshots of all such messages and submitted reports using the Personal Data Protection Commission's (PDPC) online form.

Each time, however, the automated response is that the case has been forwarded to the police, and that I would have to submit either a police report or an iWitness report.

I made an iWitness report on the Singapore Police's website, but to date, have not received any response from anyone.

Essentially, the PDPC's stand is that my case is a "complaint on suspected illegal activities" and, hence, its responsibility ends when it forwards the case to the police.

This is despite the fact that the messages are marketing in nature, and are sent to me even though my mobile phone number is in the Do Not Call (DNC) registry.

My calls to the police hotline only led me to an answering machine.

What is the point of the DNC registry if no action is taken against companies for sending unsolicited marketing messages?

William Toh Eng Whatt

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