In a major win against scammers, Singapore’s Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) has successfully thwarted over 800 scam attempts between May and June 2025 — thanks to a cutting-edge partnership with five major banks and the deployment of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology.
The ASC, together with DBS, UOB, OCBC, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), and HSBC, rolled out a tech-driven initiative to counter various scam types including government impersonation scams, job scams, investment scams, fake friend call scams, and e-commerce scams.
Robotic Tech That Stops Crime in Real Time
The game-changing RPA system has enabled near-instantaneous information sharing between the police and the participating banks. This allowed frontline officers to rapidly identify and reach out to potential scam victims before any money was lost.
Between 1 May and 30 June 2025, over 4,600 SMS alerts were sent to more than 3,600 customers flagged as high-risk. These timely warnings helped prevent an estimated S$36 million in potential losses — money that could have been funneled straight into scammers’ pockets.
According to authorities, this marked one of the most successful technological crackdowns on scams in recent memory. The proactive monitoring system, powered by automation, significantly shortens response time — a critical factor in scam prevention where minutes can mean millions.
Public Urged to ACT: Add, Check, Tell
While the tech plays a vital role, the Police stress that public vigilance is still key. Citizens are reminded to ACT:
ADD – Install the ScamShield app, activate two-factor authentication, and set transaction limits on internet banking platforms such as PayNow.
CHECK – Stay alert for red flags. Pause and ask questions. Always verify unexpected requests for money or personal details.
TELL – Report suspected scams to your bank, ScamShield, or the police. Alert friends and family so they can stay safe too.
Scams Getting Smarter, So Must We
With scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated, relying solely on traditional methods is no longer enough. High CPM keywords like “online banking fraud,” “identity theft,” and “cybersecurity breach” highlight just how critical digital safety has become in today’s financial landscape.
For more information, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Reports can also be made via the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or police.gov.sg/iwitness.
This powerful collaboration between law enforcement and financial institutions proves that with the right tools and teamwork, Singapore can outsmart scammers — one fake message at a time.