In today’s digital world, scams have become increasingly common. Almost everyone knows someone who has fallen victim to a fraudulent scheme, whether it involves phishing emails, fake investment opportunities, or impersonation of trusted institutions. In Singapore, the financial and emotional toll of scams has been devastating for many families.
One such case was deeply personal for Reshma Vasu, Senior Product Manager at Open Government Products (OGP). In December 2021, her aunt lost her entire retirement savings of S$500,000 after falling for a phishing scam involving fraudulent messages that appeared to be from a local bank. This experience fueled Reshma’s commitment to strengthening Singapore’s defense against scams.
Leading the Upgrade of ScamShield
When the opportunity came in late 2023 to lead the redevelopment of ScamShield, Reshma accepted the challenge. ScamShield is a government-developed app designed to block scam calls and SMSes, while also enabling users to report suspicious activity.
In August 2024, her team rolled out a major AI-powered upgrade of the app. This new version allows users to upload screenshots, check suspicious numbers, and verify website links in real time. Within months, the upgraded ScamShield reached 1.35 million downloads, highlighting how vital such tools have become in protecting the public.
Falling Scam Numbers but High Losses
According to the Singapore Police Force’s Mid-Year Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2025, the number of reported scam cases dropped by 26 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, the total losses remained staggering at S$456.4 million.
Scams now range from small recruitment frauds targeting thousands of people to large-scale investment and crypto scams capable of wiping out entire bank accounts. Technology has enabled criminals to scale up their operations, with AI-driven voice cloning and bulk messaging tools making it possible to target multiple victims at once.
Scams in Everyday Life
Scammers have become increasingly creative. They impersonate government officials, pose as friends in need of urgent financial help, and even sell fake National Day Parade tickets. Everyday items like discounted durians have also been used as bait to lure unsuspecting victims.
While scams traditionally spread through SMS and phone calls, many have now moved to encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. This shift makes it harder for authorities to intercept scams in real time, emphasizing the importance of tools like ScamShield that provide users with instant feedback.
Building a National Intelligence Network
The upgraded ScamShield app is more than just a protective tool for individuals. Each report submitted by users contributes to a larger intelligence system. Once verified by the police, scam numbers are blocked across the network, preventing further victims from being reached.
With collaboration between the Infocomm Media Development Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, telecommunications providers, and global tech giants like Meta, Apple, and Google, ScamShield plays a critical role in dismantling scams at a national level.
Over the coming months, OGP plans to launch new features, including push notifications to alert users of emerging scam variants. This will help people stay informed and act quickly against evolving threats.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Despite its success, some Singaporeans remain hesitant to download ScamShield. A common concern is privacy. Reshma has clarified that ScamShield is privacy-preserving, as it only screens messages and calls from unsaved contacts, leaving personal conversations untouched.
Another misconception is that scams only target the elderly. Data from the 2024 Scams and Cybercrime Brief shows that most victims are between 21 and 59 years old, many of whom are digitally savvy. Scammers exploit overconfidence, knowing that people who think they are “too smart to be scammed” often let down their guard.
Innovation in the Fight Against Scammers
Beyond ScamShield, Reshma’s team continues to innovate. At OGP’s hackathon in early 2025, she worked on AI Aunty, a bot designed to waste scammers’ time by engaging suspicious calls. Currently in trial, this tool is expected to be launched by the end of the year, adding another layer of protection for Singaporeans.
Community and Collective Vigilance
Reshma emphasizes that combating scams requires more than just technology. It is also about building community awareness and sharing information. Whether through apps like ScamShield or conversations in community clubs, collective vigilance is key.
As she puts it, “When you are not sure if something is a scam, asking someone in your network for a second opinion can make all the difference. But when you are isolated and lack the tools, it becomes much harder to protect yourself.”
Conclusion
The fight against scams is ongoing, and scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. With leaders like Reshma Vasu driving innovation in tools like ScamShield, Singapore is staying one step ahead in safeguarding its citizens. However, technology alone is not enough. A combination of government action, community involvement, and individual vigilance is essential to reduce the devastating impact of scams.
