Singapore’s Government Technology Agency (GovTech) has intensified Singpass security with a facial verification feature that activates randomly or upon detecting suspicious activity, using multi-colored flashing lights and real-time face matching against government records to prevent unauthorized access and malware-driven fraud.
Co-located at the police’s anti-scam command in the Police Cantonment Complex, the team has facilitated rapid information sharing, leading to the disruption of money mule operations and arrests. In 2024 alone, thousands of fraudulently opened financial accounts and SIM cards were terminated, demonstrating the team’s impact on curbing scam-related activities. The initiative addresses Singpass’s vulnerability as a widely used digital identity tool for over 4,000 services, from banking to government transactions, making compromised accounts highly valuable for identity theft and financial losses. Scam victims in Singapore lost a record SGD 1.1 billion (USD 880 million) in 2024, with SGD 456.4 million (USD 365 million) lost in the first half of 2025, down from SGD 522.4 million (USD 418 million) in the same period of 2024.
Recent legal amendments under the Computer Misuse Act make disclosing Singpass credentials illegal, with penalties up to SGD 10,000 (USD 8,000) fine or three years’ jail for first offenses. Scams often peak during major events like concerts or the Singapore Grand Prix, exploiting distracted users. GovTech and police advise against sharing credentials via phone, email, or social media, urging users to update contact details for transaction alerts and avoid transacting while on the move.
To enhance security, users should check transaction history regularly and report unauthorized activity via the Singpass helpdesk (6335-3533, press 9 for 24/7 scam support) or ScamShield helpline (1799). This comprehensive approach, combining technology, human expertise, and legal measures, aims to safeguard Singapore’s digital ecosystem amid rising cyber threats.
(Source: The Straits Times)
