6 ways to avoid being scammed in S'pore; helplines and online resources

---

SINGAPORE - Scam victims here have lost more than $965 million since 2016, checks by The Straits Times showed.

 

The Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre has developed a 6S Anti-Scam Self-Protection Principles to help Singaporeans protect themselves against scams. 

 

Here's what you need to know:

 

1. Spot the signs

 

Recognise the tactics that scammers use.

 

2. Stop and think

 

Ask yourself or others if a statement, message or job offer could be true.

 

3. Slow down, don't rush

 

Do not rush into providing your personal or banking details.

 

4. Speak to others

 

Check with others to verify the authenticity of a claim before doing anything.

 

5. Safeguard personal details and passwords

 

Never disclose personal information, even if the request appears to be legitimate.

 

6. Seek help

 

Talk to friends or family members for advice or support if you have been impacted by a scam.

 

Helplines

 

• Anti-Scam Hotline: 1800-722-6688 (9am - 5pm)
• National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am - 12am)

 

Mental well-being

 

• Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928
• Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
• Community Health Assessment Team 6493-6500/1

 

Counselling

 

• TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
• TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers): 6804-6555
• Care Corner Counselling Centre: 1800-353-5800

 

Online resources

 

• scamalert.sg
• scamshield.org.sg
• ncpc.org.sg
• mindline.sg
• stayprepared.sg/mymentalhealth
• eC2.sg
• tinklefriend.sg
• chat.mentalhealth.sg

 

Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.

---

ALL views, content, information and/or materials expressed / presented by any third party apart from Council For Third Age, belong strictly to such third party. Any such third party views, content, information and/or materials provided herein are for convenience and/or general information purposes only. Council For Third Age shall not be responsible nor liable for any injury, loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly howsoever in connection with or as a result of any person accessing or acting on any such views, content, information and/or materials. Such third party views, content, information and/or materials do not imply and shall not be construed as a representation, warranty, endorsement and/or verification by Council For Third Age in respect of such views, content, information and/or materials.