Financial Crime World

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Singapore’s Anti-Scam Centre: The Nerve Centre for Investigating Scam Operations

In June 2019, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) established the Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) to disrupt and prevent scam operations. As the police’s nerve centre for investigating scam-related crimes, the ASC aims to mitigate victims’ monetary losses through swift recovery of proceeds of crime.

Combating Scams with the “Six I’s”

The ASC adopts a six-pronged approach known as the “six I’s” - Information processing, Intervention, Investigations, Initiatives, Inculcation, and International Cooperation. In its first year of operation, the ASC received over 8,600 reports, leading to the recovery of more than $21.2 million and the freezing of over 6,100 bank accounts.

Key Initiatives

  • Joint operations with seven Police Divisions, resulting in over 9,000 scammers and money mules being called up for investigations in the past two years.
  • Collaboration with SPF units such as the Technology Crime Investigation Branch (TCIB) and Unlicensed Moneylending Strike Force (UMSF) to report over 20,000 WhatsApp accounts for scam-related activities since February 2020.

Developing ScamShield

To prevent scams from reaching mobile phone users, the ASC was involved in the development of ScamShield, an app that uses artificial intelligence technology to identify and filter scam messages. Since its launch in November 2020, ScamShield has been downloaded over 210,000 times, with 1.8 million SMSes and 11,900 suspect numbers successfully blocked as of September 30, 2021.

Building Partnerships

The ASC has also focused on building partnerships with banks and other stakeholders through initiatives such as Project FRONTIER (Funds Recovery Operations and Networks Team, Inspiring Effective Resolutions). As of August 1, 2021, the ASC has expanded its partnerships to 54 stakeholders, comprising 14 banks, 15 fintech companies, 13 card payment providers, four local telcos, five e-commerce platforms, the Association of Banks in Singapore, and international counterparts such as the Hong Kong Police Force Anti-Deception Coordination Centre and INTERPOL.

Investigations and Operations

  • Investigations against those suspected of selling or renting out their bank accounts or SingPass credentials to criminal syndicates.
  • Operation in September 2021, the ASC rounded up 133 individuals for suspected involvement in job scams, with 71 arrested and 29 charged for money mule activities as well as cheating and money-laundering offences.

Tackling Job Scams

The ASC formed Project COMBAT (Centralised Operational Messaging Bot, Addressing Threats) on July 17, 2021. By collaborating with intel units, Land Division units, and internal Anti-Scam Division units, the ASC detected potential victims and immediately alerted them of the danger of falling prey to job scams.

Tips to Prevent Scams

We can all play a part in this effort by following these three tips from the ASC:

  • Don’t become a money mule by relinquishing your bank accounts or engaging in money transfer activities that assist scammers.
  • Inform the authorities promptly when you encounter scam messages and attempted scams.
  • Help spread anti-scam messages and build awareness of scams!

Conclusion

By working together, we can create a safer and more secure online environment for everyone.