Introduction
As online scams become a growing and pressing concern in Singapore, the government has devised a range of anti-scam initiatives, such as Scamshield, to help combat the threat of scams. In this article, we will discover what Scamshield is and how to use it in the fight against scams. Stay smart, stay safe, and stay vigilant with Scams.SG!
What is Scamshield?
All pictures are courtesy of Scamshield.
Scamshield is a suite of products and tools, developed in collaboration with the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF), to help defend against scams in Singapore. The suite consists of the Scamshield hotline, the Scamshield app and the website. Together, they contain a range of anti-scam resources such as scam education tools and reporting solutions. Each of these tools plays a crucial role in empowering Singaporeans in the fight against scams.
Scamshield App: Blocking and Filtering
All pictures are courtesy of Scamshield.
The Scamshield app was developed to help Singaporeans check suspicious calls, websites and messages for scams. New and enhanced features also allow improved blocking and filtering of scam calls and SMSs.
The app also includes a scam reporting function, which allows users to upload scam reports for monitoring. Report suspicious messages and calls with Scamshield.
Scamshield Hotline 1799: Check For Scams
The Scamshield hotline is a 24/7 anti-scam hotline that offers immediate assistance to verify potential scams. If Singaporeans have suspicions about potential scam calls, messages, or links, they can dial 1799 for support and verification. Verify scam calls and messages with Scamshield. The operators will provide advice on how to protect yourself from scams.
The Scamshield hotline can also direct victims to bank anti-scam hotlines if they happen to be victims of scams. These banks include: DBS/POSB, UOB, OCBC, Citibank, Maybank, Standard Chartered and HSBC.
However, the Scamshield hotline is unable to make police reports for victims. For scam reporting, it is also advised to be done through the Scamshield app.
Scamshield Website: Scam Education
The Scamshield website is a one-stop portal for scam prevention. Find up-to-date information on current scam trends, as well as tips on how to stay safe against scams in Singapore. There will also be steps that you can take if you have fallen for a scam. Send scam-related queries through the online chat, too, to check if something is a scam. Visit the website at www.scamshield.gov.sg.
Scamshield Alert Social Channel: Stay Updated
To stay safe from scams in Singapore, it is important to stay updated on the latest scam trends. The Scamshield alert social channels include both WhatsApp and Telegram. Inside, they will provide bulletins and advisories to stay safe from the newest, trending scams.
Stay updated and stay safe by joining the channels today!
How to Download and Set Up Scamshield
a) Install Scamshield
Download the Scamshield app on your mobile devices to stay safe from scams in Singapore.
b) Grant Permissions
After downloading Scamshield, ensure that you provide relevant permissions to the app to allow for the blocking of scam calls and texts.
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Scam Call Blocking
In the Scamshield app, press “set up” for scam call blocking. Follow the following instructions.
In your phone settings, look for Apps, followed by Phone, and Call blocking & identification.
Tap Scamshield to turn it on.
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Scam SMS Filtering
Follow the following instructions for Scamshield scam SMS filtering.
In your phone settings, look for Apps, followed by Messages, and Unknown & Spam.
Tap on Scamshield to turn it on.
Tips on Using Scamshield
To effectively use Scamshield, take note of the following tips to ensure that the app works as intended to keep you and your loved ones safe from scams.
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Update the App Regularly
Regularly update the app to ensure that it is up to date and it is caught up to current scam trends.
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Report Suspicious Calls/Messages
Actively check and report suspicious potential scam calls and messages with the Scamshield app. This will help to ensure that you do not fall prey to scams. If the call or message is a scam, the authorities can also be duly notified.
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Listen to Reminders
Do not ignore warnings by the Scamshield app. If the app alerts to a scam, be extra cautious. It is better to be safe than sorry.
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Stay Vigilant
Scamshield is just a tool for scam prevention. In the end, it is still important to continue to stay vigilant to avoid falling prey to scams.
Scam Prevention Beyond Scamshield
Although the benefits provided by Scamshield are plentiful, Singaporeans should still stay vigilant to spot and avoid scams in Singapore.
Verify
Verify calls, texts and websites before trusting. Do not easily trust online persons, especially those from unsolicited contact. With the advent of AI, scams are getting more elusive. Make sure to slow down and check for scam signs before any action
Check for company trustworthiness in Singapore with Scam.SG’s TrustScore. Here at Scam.SG, we employ our proprietary TrustScore to analyse and evaluate businesses for scam detection as well as authentication. Learn more about TrustScore and how it can keep you safe from scams.
Stay Educated
With the rise of scams in Singapore, it is crucial to understand each scam and how they work.
Visit the Scamshield website to learn more about the common types in Singapore. Discover prevention tips too to stay safe!
Here at Scam.SG, we analyse the different types of scams in Singapore, as well as provide prevention tips to keep you and your loved ones safe. Learn about the different types of fraud with Scam.SG! Discover scam prevention tips as well to stay safe.
Protect Sensitive Information
Use strong passwords for your accounts. Try not to reuse passwords. Use two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication for your online accounts.
Do not give your sensitive information, such as your NRIC or your bank account details, to anyone.
If your bank account has been compromised, contact your bank’s anti-scam hotline immediately to limit the loss of money.
Conclusion
Scams continue to be a persistent threat in Singapore. Luckily, the government continues to push out anti-scam efforts to keep Singaporeans safe from the dangers of scams. Scamshield’s plethora of tools helps greatly in scam prevention efforts locally. However, Scamshield is just a tool, and it will depend on each individual to continue to stay vigilant and educated to stay safe from scams in Singapore. Learn more about scams with Scam.SG! Stay safe, stay protected and stay vigilant with Scam.SG.