Stay Safe Online

Spot the Scam

Use our interactive checklist to find out if a message, call, or email might be a scam.

How to Spot a Scam

Scammers try to trick you into giving them your money or personal details. In Singapore, common scams include fake government SMS messages, "bank staff" phone calls, and parcel delivery scams.

Common signs of a scam in Singapore

The message claims to be from MOM, CPF Board, IRAS, or the police — but you did not contact them first.
You are asked to click a link and log in to SingPass or your bank account.
You are told to act fast and not to tell anyone.
The caller asks you to transfer money or buy NETS vouchers as "payment".
The offer sounds too good to be true.

Look at this example — can you spot what is wrong with this SMS?

9:41 Messages 📶

Today 9:41 AM +65 8123 4567

[CPF Board] Your CPF account has been suspended. Click here to verify:

http://cpf-sg-verify.netlify.app/login

Act within 24 hours or your account will be closed.

Unknown number — CPF Board sends SMS from official shortcodes, not mobile numbers

Fake website link — Real CPF Board link is cpf.gov.sg, not netlify.app

Urgency + threat — "Act within 24 hours" is a pressure tactic to stop you thinking

📌 Study this fake CPF Board SMS — find all three red flags before reading the answers below

Singapore scam helplines

Anti-Scam Helpline: 1800 722 6688 (Singapore Police Force)
ScamShield app: Download free from App Store or Google Play
Report a scam: www.scamalert.sg

Use the Scam Checker below

Answer each question about the message or call you received. The checker will tell you if it looks suspicious.

Watch: How to spot a scam — Singapore Police Force

Try it yourself — check a message you received Click to expand

Follow along and tick each step as you go. You can use a real device right now!

Step 1. Find a recent SMS or email from an unknown sender
Step 2. Check: did you ask for this contact, or did it come out of nowhere?
Step 3. Check: is there a link asking you to log in? Does the URL look genuine?
Step 4. Check: is there urgency or a threat in the message?
Step 5. If unsure, call the organisation directly using the number from their official website

✨ Tip: Ticking these boxes only works on your screen — nothing is saved or sent anywhere.