Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Number of Deepfake-Related Scams Reported in 2023

Question:

Mr Desmond Choo: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many deepfake-related scams have been reported in 2023; (b) what kinds of media type are the scams conducted in, such as live video, voice, uploaded video, etc; and (c) what measures will the Ministry undertake that is specific to the elderly population to educate them against deepfake-related scams.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) has not been tracking the number of such cases. While we have received some reports where the complainants had alleged that deepfake techniques were used by the scammers, the number is not high.

2. The SPF works closely with the People's Association, the Agency for Integrated Care, and grassroots organisations to alert residents, including the elderly, about the latest scam trends, tell-tale signs of scams, and steps the residents can take to protect themselves.

3. In June 2021, the "SG Cyber Safe Seniors Programme" was launched to raise awareness of cybersecurity and encourage adoption of good cyber hygiene practices among the elderly. The programme reaches out to the elderly through a mix of physical and online platforms, including tutorial sessions that teach the elderly to learn how to use mobile applications safely. With online scams being a growing threat, the curriculum has been updated to include more tips for the elderly to safeguard themselves against scams. Under the programme, digital ambassadors from the SG Digital Office are trained to engage the elderly on cyber hygiene practices. A handbook in the four official languages has also been produced for digital ambassadors to hand out to the elderly.

4. In addition, whenever there is an emerging scam variant, such as deepfake-related scams, the SPF works with relevant agencies to promptly alert the elderly.