Anti-scam initiatives consolidated under newly launched ScamShield Suite
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The new ScamShield helpline on 1799 is part of the ScamShield Suite.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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SINGAPORE – Every day, on average, more than 140 people here lose about $14,500 each to scams.
The rise in scam trends is expected to continue, but help has now been made more available through initiatives such as the new ScamShield helpline on 1799.
The helpline is part of the ScamShield Suite, launched at the National Crime Prevention Council’s (NCPC) gala dinner at Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Sept 27.
ScamShield is a joint effort by the police, Open Government Products and NCPC.
The ScamShield app was first launched in November 2020, and previously worked only on calls and SMSes by blocking suspicious ones.
An enhanced version of the app, equipped with artificial intelligence, was unveiled during the release of the police’s mid-year scam and cyber-crime statistics in August. It can identify and alert users to potential scam threats on WhatsApp, Telegram and weblinks.
The ScamShield Suite is an expansion of the app, and a consolidation of other initiatives by NCPC and Open Government Products under the ScamShield name.
It includes the 1799 helpline, a new ScamShield website and alert channels on social messaging platforms.
This helpline is available round the clock and the number has been shortened from the previous 1800-722-6688 to make it easier to remember.
NCPC executive director Devrajan Bala, who is also director of the police’s Scam Public Education Office, said the helpline is a key product of the ScamShield Suite.
“If you are unsure whether it is a scam, simply call this helpline. Essentially, what you can do to protect yourself is to stop and check before you make any decisions,” he added.
Another key product is the new website – www.scamshield.gov.sg
It also features a chat function so users can check if something is dubious.
People will also be alerted on the latest scam trends through the ScamShield channels on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Victims here lost $651.8 million in 2023, with a record high of 46,563 cases reported.
New records were again set in the first half of 2024, with victims losing over $385.6 million in 26,587 cases.
Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam, who was guest of honour at the gala dinner on Sept 27, said the ScamShield Suite builds on existing public education efforts and will equip people with resources to protect themselves.
He revealed that the NCPC will soon launch an online game called #XiamTheScams, which teaches players how to identify and dodge scams.
He said the game, developed in partnership with gamification marketing company Sqkii, will feature attractive prizes.
(From left) Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck, Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling, Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam, NCPC chairman Gerald Singham and OGP director Li Hongyi at the gala dinner on Sept 27.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
At the gala dinner, more than $500,000 was raised from corporate and individual donors to support crime prevention measures.
Mr Shanmugam said community partners like NCPC play an important role, adding that it will take a whole-of-society effort to effectively fight the menace.
“This problem of scams, and in fact, crime, cannot be solved by the Government alone. That is why the work of the NCPC, in educating members of the public, continues to be critical in our fight in this area,” he noted.
