Find out how this recently launched mobile app works to block, filter, and report scam calls & messages!
“The scam cases in Singapore have significantly increased. It is reported that there are a total of 10,402 scam cases as of August this year, double that of last year.”
It is really concerning as scammers are getting more creative in fooling people with their tricky schemes. They are utilizing various ways to conduct their cunning acts, such as through the internet, social media, other online platforms, as well as through scam calls and messages.
So, what is ScamShield?
ScamShield is a new mobile app created to reduce the risk of getting scam calls and messages by filtering them. It was recently launched on 20 November 2020 in Singapore by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC).
How does this app work?
The app will check incoming calls from unknown phone numbers against a list of known scam phone numbers provided by the police. If the phone numbers match, they will automatically get blocked by the app without notifying the user.
Being said so, users should always stay cautious as phone numbers not blocked by the app might still potentially come from scammers!
One important tip for you:
If you receive an unknown call with a (+) prefix, the call is more likely made from overseas. Even if a (+65) prefix resembles Singapore’s country code, the call is not made from Singapore as domestic calls will not show the + prefix.
The app also uses artificial intelligence to spot keywords commonly used in scam messages by unknown contacts and place them into a ‘junk’ folder created in the user’s mobile phones.
NCPC mentioned that ScamShield would check only SMSes from unknown contacts for any scam messages. ScamShield will not scan SMSes from known contacts.
This app also allows users to report any scam messages and calls received on their phones. The reports that are made by the users will then be collected to the database and shared with the police.
Don’t worry about your privacy!
ScamShield does not have access to the user’s contact list, location, and personal data. This app does not even need you to register with your mobile numbers.
So, what are you waiting for?
The good news is ScamShield is already available on iOS devices and can be downloaded from the App Store. As for Android users, you will need to wait a little while!
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References
TODAY (website)
ScamShield (website)
The Straits Times (website)