What Is the Scam.SG TrustScore?
The Scam.SG TrustScore is a proprietary scoring system developed by OnScam (SG) Pte. Ltd. and operated through the Scam.SG platform. It synthesises data from multiple independent sources to produce a single, structured integrity assessment for ACRA-registered Singapore business entities.
Scam.SG indexes approximately 600,000 ACRA-registered entities. Of these, approximately 50,000 have been pre-qualified through a structured screening programme. The TrustScore is designed to help buyers, procurement officers, business partners, and consumers answer a question that ACRA registration alone
cannot: is this company not only legally registered, but actively operating in a trustworthy manner?
What the TrustScore Draws From
The TrustScore is built from multiple data sources. These include ACRA registration and compliance data, the MAS watchlist and financial institution records, the CaseTrust watchlist, complaint history from relevant consumer protection databases, the company's digital footprint, online reputation signals, and
additional sources assessed as part of the screening programme. The system is designed to be multi-dimensional: no single data point determines the score, and the inputs are weighted and combined to reflect a more complete picture of business conduct.
This multi-source approach is deliberate. A company can be ACRA-registered and not appear on any watchlist while still having a pattern of complaints, a thin digital footprint, or other signals of elevated risk. Conversely, a company with a long registration history and strong reputation signals across multiple sources will reflect that in a higher band.
The Four TrustScore Bands
Foundational
A Foundational TrustScore indicates that the entity has satisfied the basic eligibility threshold for inclusion in the Scam.SG screening programme. The company is ACRA-registered and active, with no disqualifying adverse records at the point of assessment. A Foundational score should be read as confirmation that the
company exists and has cleared the minimum bar — it is not a strong endorsement of business quality or reliability.
For buyers and partners, a Foundational score means: proceed with normal due diligence. The company is legitimately registered. Additional verification steps — checking complaint history, confirming sector licences, and reviewing the company's track record — are still appropriate.
Evolving
An Evolving score indicates that the company has cleared the Foundational threshold and shows positive signals in additional data dimensions. This may include a consistent digital footprint, positive or neutral reputation signals, and no adverse records across the broader range of sources assessed by the scoring
engine.
For buyers and partners, an Evolving score means: the company presents a lower-risk profile than average. Standard due diligence applies. There is no material adverse finding, but the business has not yet accumulated the breadth of positive signals that would place it in a higher band.
Established
An Established score indicates sustained positive signals across multiple data dimensions over time. The company demonstrates consistency in its digital presence, a track record free of significant adverse findings, and performance characteristics associated with reliable business conduct.
Established-band companies have typically been in operation for a meaningful period and have accumulated verifiable evidence of trustworthy behaviour.
For buyers and partners, an Established score provides a higher degree of confidence. It is appropriate to proceed with standard commercial terms, while retaining normal contract and payment protections. An Established-band company that also holds a Certificate of Business Authenticity from Data Bureau
(Singapore) has passed the additional certification threshold.
Institutional
An Institutional score represents the highest band in the Scam.SG TrustScore framework. It is assigned to companies that demonstrate strong, consistent integrity signals across all assessed dimensions, over a sustained period, with no material adverse findings.
These are companies with deep, verifiable track records, robust digital presence, and a profile that supports a high level of confidence from counterparties.
For buyers and partners, an Institutional score is the strongest signal Scam.SG provides. It does not eliminate the need for commercial due diligence — contract terms, payment structures, and sector-specific licence checks remain relevant — but it substantially reduces the verification burden for routine transactions.
The Certificate of Business Authenticity
Businesses that meet the threshold for certification can apply for a Certificate of Business Authenticity issued by Data Bureau (Singapore). Scam.SG operates as an authorised agent of Data Bureau (Singapore) in facilitating this process.
The certificate is issued on an annual basis and is available in both physical and digital formats, with a single signatory from Data Bureau (Singapore).
The certificate is verifiable by any third party at databureau.com.sg/verify. This allows clients, partners, and procurement teams to confirm independently that a certificate is genuine and currently valid, without needing to contact the business directly.
For Buyers and Consumers
Before engaging a contractor, supplier, or service provider you have not worked with before, search for them on Scam.SG. A company with a verified TrustScore profile has been assessed against multiple data sources.
A company with no profile has not been screened — this is not in itself an adverse finding, but it means you
are relying entirely on your own due diligence.
Use the TrustScore as one input in a layered assessment. Combine it with an ACRA BizFile check, a sector-specific licence check where relevant, and a review of the company's online reputation. The TrustScore replaces none of these; it consolidates information that would otherwise require you to check multiple sources individually.
For Businesses
If your company is ACRA-registered and operating in good standing, the TrustScore Verification and Protection Programme through Scam.SG provides a structured way to signal this to the market.
A verified TrustScore profile and a Certificate of Business Authenticity from Data Bureau (Singapore) provide your clients and partners with an independently verifiable credential — reducing friction in sales
conversations and procurement processes where business legitimacy is a concern.
The programme is designed for businesses of all sizes. Registration is available at
www.scam.sg/business.
What the TrustScore Does Not Tell You
The TrustScore is an integrity and trust assessment — it is not a credit rating, a financial health assessment, or a guarantee of performance.
A high TrustScore indicates that a company has a clean profile across the assessed dimensions; it does not predict whether the company will deliver a renovation on time, honour a warranty claim, or remain solvent. Standard commercial due diligence — reviewing financial statements, taking references, using appropriate contract terms — remains necessary regardless of TrustScore band.