Anti-fraud measures
The SPF provided an update on anti-fraud measures being rolled out by the SPF and other government agencies such as the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
From April 15th, you can purchase and register up to 10 postpaid SIM cards.
This comes after SPF and IMDA observed signs that such SIM cards, which are mainly purchased by local residents, were being misused for fraudulent purposes.
Fraudulently registered postpaid SIM cards can act as an anonymous communication channel for illegal activities such as fraud and unauthorized money lending.
Police said the increase in the card limit to 10 was to meet the needs of authorized users to register SIM cards for family members while limiting fraudulent use. IMDA will review this limit over time to ensure it remains appropriate.
This applies only to new registrations. Subscribers who currently own 10 or more postpaid SIM cards will not be affected, but will no longer be able to register more cards.
Prepaid SIM cards are usually the subject of concern, and even now you can only purchase up to three prepaid cards.
The Home Office, which oversees the SPF, plans to introduce a new offense criminalizing the misuse of SIM cards. Further details will be announced soon, SPF said.
Last year, 11 people were arrested in four island-wide operations targeting 17 mobile phone retailers. He is suspected of helping fraudsters by fraudulently registering SIM cards using other people’s personal information.
Anti-fraud commands
The police’s anti-fraud command, set up in March 2022, has frozen more than 19,600 bank accounts and recovered more than S$100 million.
Staff from six banks and the Government Technology Agency were also dispatched to the Anti-Fraud Command to speed up response to fraud incidents and alert to unusual activity on Singpass accounts.
Since January 30, staff at Carousel, a popular e-commerce platform, have also been working with the Anti-Fraud Command to more effectively remove “fraud-tainted online nicknames and suspicious advertisements,” according to the SPF. He is said to be working at.
“The fight against fraud must continue and the responsibility cannot be placed solely on law enforcement,” said SPF Commercial Director David Chu.
“An astute and vigilant public is essential as fraud continues to evolve. Police will continue to work closely with stakeholders and other government agencies to protect Singapore from fraud.”