Singapore’s 24/7 anti-scam hotline expands operations as impersonation scams and new fraud tactics rise

Singapore’s ScamShield Helpline, launched in September 2024, has seen daily calls skyrocket from just 30 to as many as 700 within a year. Now operating 24/7 from its new Certis centre in Bedok, the helpline plays a crucial role in preventing scam losses amid evolving fraud tactics.

A Year of Rapid Growth

The helpline 1799, run by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), marked its first anniversary on September 15, 2025, at its new operations centre in Certis Bedok. In just 12 months, the line has fielded over 128,000 calls and online chats, with most inquiries seeking verification of suspicious messages and calls.

From Limited Hours to 24/7 Operations

Originally operating weekdays from 9am to 5pm, the helpline now runs round the clock to meet rising demand. Its expanded team of over 10 trained agents, up from six, is tasked with calming anxious callers, verifying potential scams, and preventing financial losses in real time.

Cases of Lives and Money Saved

Several success stories underscore the helpline’s importance. In July 2025, a woman nearly handed over SGD 38,000 to fraudsters posing as Maybank officers and police. A helpline agent diverted her to a police station, saving her from financial ruin. Another case in May 2025 involved a victim who withdrew SGD 40,000 after threats from scammers posing as Monetary Authority of Singapore officers. A timely call to 1799 convinced him to file a police report instead of handing over the cash.

Emerging Scam Trends

While love scams once dominated, the latest Singapore Police Force Mid-Year Scam and Cybercrime Brief 2025 highlighted new patterns. Insurance services scams, mostly targeting seniors over 65, cost victims SGD 21.3 million in the first half of 2025 alone. Government official impersonation scams nearly tripled, with reported cases jumping 199 percent from 589 in 2024 to 1,762 in 2025, causing losses of SGD 126.5 million in just six months.

National Response and Public Advice

NCPC Chairman Gerald Singham warned that scams are constantly evolving, while Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo stressed vigilance under the Stop and Check campaign. Public guidance now centers on the “Add, Check, Tell” approach:

• Add the ScamShield app to block suspicious SMSes and calls.
• Check with the 1799 helpline or official sources.
• Tell your bank and police immediately if scammed.

A Crucial National Safeguard

Despite a slight fall in overall scam losses — SGD 456.4 million in the first half of 2025 compared with SGD 522.4 million in 2024 — experts caution against complacency. The ScamShield Helpline has become a frontline defense, offering both reassurance and intervention. As fraud tactics adapt, Singapore’s ability to educate the public and respond swiftly remains key to curbing financial crime.

The growth of the ScamShield Helpline highlights Singapore’s escalating battle against scams. By combining technology, public awareness, and round-the-clock support, the city-state is building resilience against evolving threats. Its experience offers valuable lessons across Asia, where scam syndicates increasingly operate across borders and exploit digital vulnerabilities.

Sources: Mothership (2025) , Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: ScamShield Helpline, Singapore Scams, Scam Calls, Anti Scam Hotline, NCPC