ANTI-SCAM MEASURES
SPF gave some updates on anti-scam measures rolled out by SPF and other government agencies, such as the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
From Apr 15, people will only be able to purchase and register a maximum of 10 post-paid SIM cards.
This comes after SPF and IMDA have observed signs of such SIM cards, which are predominantly bought by locals, being increasingly misused for scam purposes.
Fraudulently registered post-paid SIM cards can act as an anonymous communications channel for illicit activities, which include scams and unlicensed moneylending.
The police said that the higher cap of 10 cards is meant to cater to the needs of legitimate users who may register SIM cards for family members, while limiting illicit usage. IMDA will review the limit over time to ensure it continue to be relevant.
This will only apply to new registrations. Subscribers who currently have more than 10 post-paid SIM cards will not be affected but will not be able to register more of such cards.
Pre-paid SIM cards have usually been of concern, with people still only being allowed to buy a maximum of three pre-paid cards today.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees SPF, will be introducing new offences to criminalise the abuse of SIM cards. More details will be announced shortly, said SPF.
Last year, 11 people were arrested during four island-wide operations targeting 17 mobile phone shops. They were suspected to have helped scammers by fraudulently registered SIM cards using others’ particulars.
ANTI-SCAM COMMAND
The police’s Anti-Scam Command, which was set up in March 2022, froze more than 19,600 bank accounts and recovered more than S$100 million.
Staff from six banks as well as the Government Technology Agency were also deployed to work at the Anti-Scam Command to speed up responses to scam cases and flag unusual activities in Singpass accounts.
Since Jan 30, staff from popular e-commerce platform Carousell have also been working at the Anti-Scam Command to better take down “scam-tainted online monikers and suspicious advertisements”, said SPF.
“The fight against scams must continue and the responsibility cannot rest with law enforcement alone,” said Mr David Chew, director of SPF’s Commercial Affairs Department.
“Scams will continue to evolve, so a discerning and vigilant public is essential. The police will continue to work closely with stakeholders and other government agencies to safeguard Singapore against scams.”