A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Report Online Scams in Singapore

These days, online scams have become an unfortunate reality, posing a significant threat to individuals and businesses alike. 

Around the world, these scams encompass a wide range of deceptive practices, often designed to exploit unsuspecting victims for financial gain or to secure their personal information for other unlawful purposes. Despite Singapore's reputation as a technologically advanced and well-regulated society, it is not immune to the prevalence of online scams. 

Indeed, many people in the city-state continue to fall prey to online scams, with the victims and their families often having to deal with significant financial repercussions. Even so, there are instances where individuals choose not to report them, often due to embarrassment, fear of retaliation, or a belief that nothing can be done. However, failing to report scams only encourages scammers to continue their illicit activities and to victimise others. That’s why every Singaporean and resident must remain vigilant and informed about the tactics used by scammers while also reporting online scams to relevant authorities. This way, they can contribute to the fight against cybercrime and help authorities identify and dismantle these criminals’ operations. In this brief guide, we’ll show you how to do the same.

Know the Different Types of Online Scams

The first step in fighting online scams is to learn the different types of such scams so you can recognise them if you get targeted. Some common types of online scams in Singapore include phishing scams, e-commerce scams, and social media scams. 

In the case of phishing scams, they typically involve fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information from the victim, such as passwords, credit card details, or personal identification information. To do this, cybercriminals would impersonate legitimate entities like banks or government agencies via emails, text messages, or websites. These scams often involve the use of urgent or enticing messages to prompt recipients to disclose their confidential information.

Another type of online scam is e-commerce scam. It involves deceitful transactions on online platforms, where scammers either fail to deliver goods or provide counterfeit or substandard products after receiving payment. Such a scam targets consumers shopping online and may occur on popular e-commerce websites or even on other platforms where buying and selling transactions occur.

When it comes to social media scams, cybercriminals exploit social networking sites to deceive users into revealing personal information, participating in fraudulent schemes, or clicking on malicious links. These scams may involve fake profiles, deceptive advertisements, or viral content designed to trick users into taking action that benefits the scammer.

Contact the Singapore Police Force

If, for some unfortunate instance, you become a victim or witness an online scam, you can file a report with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) through various channels, including through the SPF website, by calling police hotline 999, or by sending an SMS to 71999. The SPF has dedicated units like the Commercial Affairs Department that handle reports related to commercial crimes, including online scams.

Make a Report to the National Crime Prevention Council

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) also offers resources and assistance to individuals affected by online scams. Victims can make a report to the NCPC through their website or helpline, where they can receive guidance on how to proceed and access support services.

Additionally, you can report online scam attempts through the council’s ScamShieldScamShield mobile app. This app is designed to identify and fight scam SMSes and calls. It’s also a great tool to block calls from phone numbers used in other scam cases, as well as those reported by other ScamShield users. 

Submit the Required Information

When reporting online scams, make sure to provide as much detail as possible to aid in the investigation. This may include information about the scam itself, such as the nature of the scam, the parties involved, and any communications or transactions that took place.

The authorities may also request the victim’s personal details, including name, contact information, and identification documents, for verification purposes. While providing personal information is optional, it can help authorities follow up on the report and provide updates on the investigation.

Additionally, include evidence such as screenshots of suspicious messages or websites, emails, transaction records, or any other relevant documentation to support the report and provide a clear picture of the scam's activities.

Cooperate with the Authorities’ Investigation

After making a report, you can expect to receive an acknowledgment from the authorities, followed by a follow-up investigation into the reported scam. Depending on the severity and complexity of the case, victims may receive support and assistance from law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation process.

While the outcome of each report may vary, reporting online scams is an essential step towards holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for victims. So, remember to cooperate with authorities and provide any additional information or assistance required to facilitate the investigation.

Reporting online scams in Singapore is a vital step towards combating cybercrime and protecting the city-state from harm. By learning to recognise the different types of online scams and following the steps outlined in this guide, individuals can play a crucial role in creating a safer online environment for all. So, stay informed, be vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities.