Whose Number Is This: Singapore

If you're a Singapore resident, chances are you've received a call from an unknown number at some point. While some of these calls may be legitimate, others may be scams. So, how can you tell the difference?

How to Identify Scam Calls

There are a few key things to look out for when trying to identify scam calls:

• The caller ID is unfamiliar. If you don't recognize the number that's calling you, it's best to be cautious.
• The caller is asking for personal information. Scammers often try to obtain personal information, such as your name, address, or credit card number. Never give out this information over the phone, unless you're sure who you're talking to.
• The caller is pressuring you to make a decision. Scammers often try to pressure you into making a decision quickly, without giving you time to think it over. Don't let yourself be rushed into anything.
• The caller is offering something that seems too good to be true. If someone is offering you a free prize or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it's probably a scam.

What to Do If You Receive a Scam Call

If you receive a scam call, the best thing to do is to hang up immediately. You can also report the call to the Singapore Police Force at 1800-255-0000.

How to Block Scam Calls

There are a few things you can do to block scam calls:

• Use a call blocking app. There are a number of call blocking apps available for both Android and iOS devices. These apps can help to identify and block scam calls.
• Register with the Do Not Call Registry. The Do Not Call Registry is a government-run database of phone numbers that are not to be called for marketing purposes. Registering your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry can help to reduce the number of scam calls you receive.
• Contact your phone carrier. Your phone carrier may offer a call blocking service. Contact your carrier to learn more about this service.

Conclusion

Scam calls are a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous. By following the tips above, you can help to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a scam.

Singapore's Spam Call Problem

Singapore has one of the highest rates of spam calls in the world. In 2021, Singaporeans received an average of 10 spam calls per week. This is more than double the global average.

The problem of spam calls in Singapore is so severe that the government has taken steps to address it. In 2019, the government introduced a new law that makes it illegal to make unsolicited telemarketing calls to Singaporeans.

Despite the new law, the problem of spam calls persists. In 2021, the Singapore Police Force received more than 10,000 reports of spam calls.

Why Are There So Many Spam Calls in Singapore?

There are a number of reasons why Singapore has such a high rate of spam calls. One reason is that Singapore is a wealthy country with a high standard of living. This makes it an attractive target for scammers.

Another reason is that Singapore has a large number of foreigners living in the country. Foreigners are often more vulnerable to spam calls because they may not be familiar with the local laws and customs.

What Is the Government Doing to Address the Problem of Spam Calls?

The Singapore government is taking a number of steps to address the problem of spam calls. These steps include:

• Enforcing the new law against unsolicited telemarketing calls. The government is working to enforce the new law against unsolicited telemarketing calls. This includes taking legal action against individuals and companies that violate the law.
• Educating the public about spam calls. The government is educating the public about spam calls and how to avoid them. This includes providing information on the Do Not Call Registry and other call blocking services.
• Working with telecommunications companies to block spam calls. The government is working with telecommunications companies to develop and implement new technologies to block spam calls.

What Can You Do to Avoid Spam Calls?

There are a number of things you can do to avoid spam calls, including:

• Register your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry. The Do Not Call Registry is a government-run database of phone numbers that are not to be called for marketing purposes. Registering your phone number with the Do Not Call Registry can help to reduce the number of spam calls you receive.
• Use a call blocking app. There are a number of call blocking apps available for both Android and iOS devices. These apps can help to identify and block spam calls.
• Contact your phone carrier. Your phone carrier may offer a call blocking service. Contact your carrier to learn more about this service.

Tips for Avoiding Spam Calls

Here are a few additional tips for avoiding spam calls:

• Be careful about who you give your phone number to. Only give your phone number to people and businesses that you trust.
• Don't answer calls from unknown numbers. If you don't recognize the number that's calling you, don't answer it.
• Hang up immediately if you get a spam call. If you do answer a spam call, hang up immediately. Don't engage with the caller.
• Report spam calls to the Singapore Police Force. You can report spam calls to the Singapore Police Force at 1800-255-0000.

Conclusion

Spam calls are a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous. By following the tips above, you can help to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a scam.