The Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) of the Singapore Police Force has collaborated with four major banks (DBS, OCBC, Standard Chartered, and UOB) to combat scams using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology. Their efforts between January and February 2025 have been quite successful:

• They disrupted over 900 scams (job scams, investment scams, fake friend call scams, and e-commerce scams)
• Sent over 9,000 SMS alerts to more than 7,000 bank customers identified as potential victims
• Prevented potential losses of over $58 million

The Police are encouraging the public to “ACT” against scams:

1. ADD security features like ScamShield app and two-factor authentication
2. CHECK for signs of scams by verifying information and being cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers
3. TELL authorities and others about scam encounters

For more information, people can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. The Police Hotline is also available at 1800-255-0000.

This appears to be a press release from the Singapore Police Force dated March 5, 2025.

Analysis of Different Scam Types and Prevention Methods

Common Scam Types

 

Investment Scams

• Characteristics: Promise of high returns with low or no risk, pressure to act quickly, unregistered investments
• Tactics: Fake investment platforms, impersonation of legitimate financial institutions, manipulated screenshots of “profits”
• Target: Often, individuals seeking financial growth, retirees, or those with savings

Job Scams

• Characteristics: Too-good-to-be-true job offers, requests for upfront payments, minimal qualifications needed
• Tactics: Fake job portals, requests to purchase equipment or training, tasks involving money transfers
• Target: Job seekers, students, and people looking for work-from-home opportunities

 

E-commerce Scams

• Characteristics: Significantly discounted prices, limited verification options, suspicious payment methods
• Tactics: Fake shopping websites, non-delivery after payment, counterfeit products
• Target: Online shoppers looking for deals

Fake Friend Call Scams

 

• Characteristics: Impersonation of friends/family, urgent requests for money, emotional manipulation
• Tactics: Hacked social media accounts, spoofed phone numbers, created emergency scenarios
• Target: People with active social networks, particularly older individuals

Prevention Methods

Technical Protections

• Install anti-scam apps like ScamShield.
• Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
• Set transaction limits on banking platforms
• Use secure payment methods with buyer protection
• Verify website security (https, secure payment icons)

Behavioral Strategies

 

• Research before investing or purchasing (company registration, reviews)
• Never share personal information or verification codes
• Take time to verify urgent requests, especially those involving money
• Call friends/family directly through known numbers to verify requests
• Be skeptical of unsolicited contact, especially regarding finances

Educational Approaches

 

 

• Stay informed about current scam trends.
• Attend community awareness programs
• Share scam experiences with others
• Follow updates from police and financial institutions
• Teach vulnerable populations (elderly, youth) about digital safety

Reporting Mechanisms

• Report suspicious activities to relevant authorities immediately
• Flag suspicious accounts on social media platforms
• Inform banks of suspicious transactions
• Use dedicated scam reporting hotlines
• Document all communications with potential scammers as evidence

Institutional Responses

• Banking verification processes for unusual transactions
• Police rapid response teams like Singapore’s Anti-Scam Centre
• Public-private partnerships for information sharing
• Automated detection systems using AI and machine learning
• Proactive customer alerts about potential scam activities

The most effective approach combines technical safeguards with education and behavioral awareness, creating multiple layers of protection against increasingly sophisticated scam attempts.