Can ACT Against Scam Campaign

 

Reference: https://www.ncpc.org.sg/news-and-events/events/scaminar-2023/ 

• “ADD” stands for adding the ScamShield app and security features.
• “CHECK” stands for checking for scam signs.
• “TELL” stands for telling authorities, family and friends about scams

ADD: Adding security features to one's devices and online accounts.

These can include the following:

• The Scamshield App
  • Helps to block scam calls and filter or flag scam SMSes. With Scamshield, you can expect to receive reduced numbers of scam calls. You can also expect fewer malicious SMSes, such as those offering fake job offers and loans, or tricking you to click malicious links. 
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• Install anti-virus apps to prevent malware.
  • Anti-virus apps which can detect malware and malicious phishing links are key to safeguarding your devices and accounts. CSA has put together a list of recommended apps which users can download to suit their needs and budget. 
  • https:www.csa.gov.sg/our-programming/cybersecurity-outreach/cybersecurity-campaigns/the-unseen-enemy-campaign/add-scamshield-and-anti-virus-apps
• Money Lock 
  • Money Lock secures a portion of your bank savings to further protect it against scams. Speak to banks for more information on how to add Money Lock. 
    
    
• IMDA International call and SMS blocking feature
  • Stop receiving calls and SMSes from overseas by contacting telcos to activate this feature
  • The feature can be activated or disabled based on needs. Calls made from Singapore numbers while overseas can still be received as per normal. 
    
    
• Two-Factor Authentification (2FA) where available 
  • 2FA uses multiple types of information for access
  • First factor: something you know (e.g. password)
  • Second factor: something you have (e.g. OTP from digital token or SMS) 
  • Biometric authentication: fingerprints, face recognition
  • Second layer of security protects account even if password is compromised
    
    
• Privacy settings for social media and messaging accounts
  • Users should carefully manage their privacy settings, avoid accepting friend requests or messages from unknown individuals, and refrain from sharing personal details with unfamiliar contacts.
  • Add privacy settings on messaging apps to avoid being added into random chatgroups by strangers 

Check: To encourage individuals to develop the habit of slowing down and checking

• When you receive a phone call or a message asking for your personal information, banking credentials, or to transfer money, always check and verify. 
  • First, check with the organisation involved. For example, if the caller/sender claims to be from a bank, call the official hotline of the bank to verify. 
  • If the caller/sender claims to be a Government official, check with the said agency directly. 
  • If the message appears to be sent by a delivery company, and you are expecting a delivery, check with the delivery company directly.
  • Checking with someone you can trust can also be helpful. 
    
    
• Government agencies and banks will never send you messages with Uniform Resource Locator (URLs) to request for your personal information or banking credentials. If in doubt, do not click on such links. Government agencies will also not ask for your personal particulars or banking credentials over the phone, via SMSes, or emails.
  
  
• Official sources one can check with:
  • Scamshield app
  • Scamshield website
  • Scamshield helpline 1799

Tell: It helps to authorities, families and friends avoid further scams

• If you suspect that you have fallen prey to scams, call your bank or use bank's mobile application immediately and activate the emergency "kill-switch". This is a feature that the banks can suspend your account immediately to prevent your money from being transferred away by scammers. 
  
  
• You should also file a police report immediately. You may file an e-report online, or in person at your nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre or Neighbourhood Police Post. 
• You can also share your scam encounters via the Scamshield app and/or to the Scamshield Bot. Your sharing can help prevent other potential victims from falling prey. 
• Tell your family and friends about the latest scam trends. You can prevent them from falling prey to scams by doing so.