The Singapore Police Force’s Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) and UOB Bank conducted a one-month joint operation from 15 May 2023 to 14 June 2023, which prevented potential losses of over $5.19 million from more than 900 victims.
During the operation, the ASC and UOB Bank used Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology to automate various processes. These include information sharing, information processing, and mass dissemination of SMS alerts to potential scam victims, which expedited intervention efforts and prevented potential financial losses. The victims were only aware of the deception after receiving the SMS alerts from the Police advising them to cease further monetary transfers.
Co-Location of Bank Staff
The co-location of bank staff within ASC premises facilitated the close collaboration between ASC officers and UOB Bank staff during the operation. Real-time tracing of fund transfers across more than 700 flagged bank accounts, followed by the swift identification of individuals who had transferred money into these purportedly fraudulent accounts enabled the ASC and UOB Bank to disseminate more than 1,300 SMS alerts to potential scam victims.
ACT Against Scams
The Police urge members of the public to “ACT” against scam. The ACT acronym outlines how members of the public can Add security features, Check for signs, and Tell the authorities and other about scams.
What is ACT?
ACT outlines three actions individuals should take to safeguard themselves and the community against scams.
- Add security features such as ScamShield and two-factor authentication for personal accounts. Also, set up transaction limits for Internet banking, to limit the amount of funds possibly lost in the event of a scam;
- Check for potential signs of a scam by asking questions, fact-checking requests for personal information and money transfers, and verifying the legitimacy of online listings and reviews. Take the time to pause and check. If it is too good to be true, it is probably untrue, and a scam;
- Tell the authorities and others about scam encounters by reporting to the bank, ScamShield, or by filing a Police report. Tell others about ongoing scams and preventive steps they can take.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
ASC officer working together with UOB Bank during the one-month joint operation ▼
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
19 June 2023 @ 11:00 AM