Singapore unveils Cyber Command as National Scams List blocks tainted accounts before victims fall prey

SINGAPORE, July 3 — Singapore police have launched a new Cyber Command to strengthen the fight against scams and cybercrime, consolidating all anti scam and digital security capabilities under one unit.

According to The Straits Times (ST), the Command, set up today, is tasked with identifying and dismantling fraudulent websites, accounts and networks before they reach potential victims, as scammers increasingly exploit new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Key initiative is the National Scams List, which compiles bank accounts, phone lines and online identities linked to scam activity. 

Shared with financial institutions, the list has already helped pre empt fraud by enabling banks to block suspicious accounts before they can be used.

The unit will also house the Digital Disruption Centre, which monitors and removes online threats ranging from scams and ransomware to racially or religiously charged content, ST reported

With cryptocurrency now a growing tool for laundering scam proceeds, the Command will expand its team of tracing specialists to track illicit flows.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced in May that the Command would begin with about 200 officers, eventually doubling to more than 400. 

Scams have been a major concern in Singapore since 2019, when more than 9,500 cases were reported and victims lost over S$170 million.