ScamShield app users can now submit screenshots of messages to check if they are scams – Mothership.SG

The ScamShield app has been enhanced and relaunched to provide Singapore residents with another way to protect themselves from scams.

Users can submit screenshots as part of scam reporting

The app will have advanced features to block fraudulent messages and calls, according to a press release from Open Government Products.

It will also have a strengthened process for reporting scams.

Users will be able to submit screenshots as part of the enhanced scam reporting feature.

This is in addition to the option to manually enter text into the app.

Users will also receive an acknowledgement of receipt of their scam report.

Numbers verified as having made fraudulent calls or sent fraudulent messages will then be added to ScamShield’s blocklist.

Part of the new “Check for Scams” ​​feature

The improved scam reporting process is part of a new Scam Verification feature that will extend ScamShield’s protection capabilities beyond simple text messages and phone calls.

Users will now also be able to verify the legitimacy of suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links received via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, phone calls and other channels.

Once users submit their scam report, either by typing text or submitting a screenshot, ScamShield will analyze the content and quickly inform users whether the message, phone number, or website link is likely malicious or not.

If potential fraud is detected, ScamShield will warn users not to share sensitive information, such as banking details or one-time passwords (OTPs).

Best Scam Accuracy Report

The app will also feature an enhanced ScamShield machine learning classifier that can help identify whether a message is likely to be a scam.

The classifier also uses the authorities’ blacklist of mobile phone numbers to determine whether a text message or call is actually malicious and can distinguish between different types of scams.

This means that when using the Find Scams feature, users will be able to see if the suspicious message or call they received falls into a specific category, such as a phishing scam or an investment scam.

Blocking and filtering function for fraudulent calls and SMS

The app will also provide users with step-by-step instructions on how to set up their phones to block fraudulent calls and texts.

Even if users choose not to grant the app all permissions for call blocking or fraudulent SMS detection on iOS and Android devices, they will also be allowed to access other features of the app,

Losses from messaging platform scams amounted to S$113.5 million in H1 2024

Open Government Products noted that in the first half of 2024 alone, there were 8,336 cases of scams involving scammers approaching their victims through messaging platforms.

Losses from these cases amounted to $113.5 million, with WhatsApp and Telegram cited as platforms of concern.

WhatsApp was responsible for 4,186 cases of scams with total losses of $74.8 million, while Telegram was responsible for 3,755 cases of scams with total losses of $28.2 million.

Main photos of Mothership