Singapore will pilot a common prefix for official calls to help the public identify impersonation scams.
The Singapore Police Force will test the prefix later in 2026 before it is adopted more widely across government agencies. The plan was first announced earlier this year.
MAS Deputy Chairman Chee Hong Tat discussed the measure in Parliament after MP He Ting Ru asked about safeguards introduced from October 2025 and a deepfake impersonation case involving losses of about S$5 million.
According to Chee, bank controls alone cannot stop scams. Singapore also needs safeguards involving financial institutions, online platforms, government agencies and the public.
Banks Add Friction to Risky Transfers
In August 2026, the police introduced rules requiring messaging and conferencing services to prevent users from impersonating the government through profile names or pictures.
MAS has also worked with banks to detect accounts being drained rapidly and block or hold further transfers.
Customers may face delays of at least 12 hours when adding new payees or raising transfer limits.
Banks have also removed PayNow nicknames to make it harder for scammers to pose as individuals or organisations.
The safeguards have contributed to fewer impersonation scam cases and lower losses, Chee noted, although he did not provide figures.
The government will continue reviewing emerging scam tactics and adjusting its measures with industry partners.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by smilephotoap via Magnific
