Beware the fake anti-scammers

I thought I would talk about scams this week. The issue has been front and centre for quite a while now. Think you’re able to spot one? Even experts can find it challenging, especially with artificial intelligence and new technologies making scams harder to detect. Plus, fraudsters are getting increasingly creative, with new variants emerging regularly. Scammers are also pretending to be anti-scam officers from government agencies, prompting the police to issue a public advisory on this latest ruse.

The authorities previously said one of the biggest challenges they face is convincing people that they have fallen prey to a scam. In Parliament this month, new laws were proposed that will, in essence, protect stubborn victims from themselves.

If passed, the laws will allow police to get banks to stop a person from making banking transactions if they believe the individual will transfer money to a fraudster. While police have said the restriction orders will be used only as a last resort, there are some who are concerned about the new powers being intrusive. Yet public support for the proposed anti-scam laws has been strong. Analysts have given their take on the “nanny” laws.

— Jaime Ho , Straits Times Editor

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More picks:

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• Japan’s sumo wrestling evolves to capture new blood, change impressions of scandal and brutality
• Goodbye to big tech’s big perks? S’pore workers say global techlash has come for their benefits
• Art on the go: Singapore’s heritage on display at MRT stations

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For your weekend:

• Hungry? A guide to where and what to eat in Singapore
• School’s out: 5 new attractions to check out with the kids