Anti-Scam Measures

With the number of scam and cybercrime cases on the rise, Singapore continues to adopt a collective, multi-pronged approach to fight scams. Government agencies, industries and the community work together closely to counter ever-evolving scams.

Set up by the government, the Inter-Ministry Committee on Scams (IMCS) leverages expert knowledge and resources from various government agencies such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Singapore Police Force, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Monetary Authority of Singapore to synchronise the government’s efforts in combatting scams.

Scam and spam communications are a global issue requiring close international cooperation to tackle. To develop a global and coordinated approach to address these threats, IMDA engages and partners with international regulators to facilitate knowledge exchange and understanding of anti-scam measures and approaches.

IMDA has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with international regulators to enhance cross-border cooperation on scam and spam communications. These form part of IMDA’s broader international approach to work with international regulators to better combat scams coming through communication platforms such as SMS and phone calls.

Some of our latest international engagements include working with:

• The United States Federal Communications Commission
• The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs
• The Australian Communications and Media Authority

IMDA’s anti-scam measures are developed to disrupt scam operations across various communications channels via a multi-layered approach. IMDA has partnered with Telcos to implement anti-scam measures that strengthen safeguards for SMS and calls to Singapore users.

IMDA has partnered with telcos to tighten SIM card registration processes and strengthen accountability for SIM cards, minimising criminal exploitation. Since 2014, the number of prepaid SIM cards each subscriber can purchase from a telco has been limited to three. From 15 April 2024, a limit of 10 postpaid SIM cards per subscriber has been in place.

Beyond the improved registration process, our multi-layered approach to strengthen protection against scams includes the blocking of international spoofed calls, as well as the international call blocking feature.

Since 1 July 2024, M1, SIMBA, Singtel and Starhub have offered the international SMS blocking feature, at no cost to their subscribers. Subscribers who do not regularly transact with international numbers may contact the respective telcos on the steps to activate both the call and SMS blocking features, to safeguard against scams. For a quick guide on how the international call and SMS blocking features work, please download the posters below:

Stay vigilant against scams and explore the following materials to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones: