Singapore's GovTech Takes a Stand Against Scams

In an ambitious move to combat scams, Singapore's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) has joined the Global Signal Exchange, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at sharing real-time data to detect and disrupt fraudulent activities. This announcement was made by Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, on the opening day of the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2025.

A World First: Sharing Scam Signals

As the first government agency in the world to engage in this data-sharing venture, GovTech will provide "scam signals" that track an astonishing 400 million threats in real time. Over 100 member organizations will benefit from this collaborative effort, allowing for swift action against scams.

Partnerships: The Key to Combatting Fraud

During the summit, Mr. Tan stressed that combating increasingly sophisticated scam threats requires robust partnerships. He noted that globalized fraud syndicates are challenging to tackle alone, making collaboration among government bodies, law enforcement, and tech firms vital. The expanded network aims to enhance defenses against scammers.

Boosting Resources for Scam Prevention

On the same day, Google.org announced a generous donation of US$5 million to the ASEAN Foundation, intended to expand online scam prevention resources for 3 million individuals across Southeast Asia. This funding comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that 63% of adults in the region reported encountering scams in the past year.

Dramatic Rise in Scam Incidents

A recent report from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) revealed a staggering increase in scam experiences across Southeast Asia. In Singapore alone, incidents surged by 66%, while Malaysia and Vietnam saw increases of 73% and 77%, respectively. Investment scams led the list, alongside unexpected money demands and impersonation tactics.

Social Media: A Scam Hotbed

Shockingly, the report found that scams frequently occur on popular platforms, with Facebook and WhatsApp being the most targeted channels.

A Heavy Financial Toll

In just the past year, Southeast Asia collectively lost an estimated US$23.6 billion to scammers, with Singaporeans reporting an average loss exceeding US$2,000 each, the highest across the surveyed nations.

A Call to Action

GASA’s managing director, Jorij Abraham, emphasized the urgency of addressing these online scams, framing them not as mere nuisances but as a significant global security concern that threatens digital trust and economic stability. He reaffirmed that by uniting efforts across sectors and borders, it’s possible to close the gap between criminals and protections.

Singapore: A Model for the World

Highlighting Singapore's proactive stance, leaders at the summit praised the nation for setting a benchmark for other countries in the fight against scams. The Singapore Police Force's Anti-Scam Centre was cited as a prime example of effective anti-fraud measures.

With collaboration and innovation at the forefront, Singapore is gearing up to pave the way in safeguarding citizens against the rising tide of scams.