Scams are evolving, adapting with frightening sophistication, particularly as artificial intelligence steps onto the stage. It’s a battlefield out there; scammers wield AI not just as a tool, but as a weapon that personalizes their attacks, preying on our emotions with unnervingly tailored messages and deepfakes. The chilling reality? They don’t just cast a wide net anymore; they target individuals and organisations with precision, impersonating trusted executives and loved ones alike to coax money out of unsuspecting victims.
Singapore has taken a firm stand with its latest campaign titled Stop and Check, a rallying cry for vigilance amid the rising tide of cyber threats. The message is clear, simple, yet powerful: when you receive unsolicited messages or calls, pause. Don’t react impulsively. Stop, then check. Reach out to official sources or trusted contacts before responding. This approach isn’t just advice; it’s a lifeline in today’s fraught digital landscape.
On a personal level, I’ve witnessed the emotional tug-of-war these scams create. It’s gut-wrenching watching small business owners, those hardworking backbone SMEs, being manipulated through urgency and fear. The scammers strike when you’re most vulnerable, triggering that fight-or-flight response. It’s critical to reclaim control, to force a “cognitive break” as CSA’s David Koh eloquently put it, and resist the pressure to act hastily.
What’s particularly unsettling is how AI is amplifying these threats. Remember those jaw-dropping deepfake voices of company CEOs instructing financial officers to transfer funds? We’re no longer dealing with crude scams — these are sophisticated psychological operations designed to bypass skepticism. Yet, AI is a double-edged sword; as Minister Josephine Teo emphasized, we can harness this technology to defend and detect. AI-driven threat hunting combs through vast data troves, sniffing out suspicious websites and spotting anomalies faster than any human could.
Practical measures, often overlooked because of their simplicity, form the bedrock of cyber resilience. Enabling two-factor authentication is non-negotiable. Creating strong, unique passphrases isn’t just good advice — it’s a shield against brute-force attacks and credential stuffing. And let’s talk about updates: those notifications aren’t annoying interruptions, but essential bulletproofing against vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.
Singapore’s proactive spirit shines through initiatives like the ScamShield app, which helps filter scam messages and calls, and antivirus applications that act as the first line of defence. These aren’t just tools; they’re empowerments. On the ground, the Cyber Safe in the City roadshow brings these lessons to life in everyday settings — cafes, schools, public spaces — reinforcing the message that cyber hygiene is everyone’s business.
One standout aspect of the campaign is the introduction of Jaga the cyber-security hedgehog, a mascot designed to resonate with the community. Jaga is more than a cute emblem; it’s a symbol of vigilance, a reminder that guarding our digital lives requires active participation. The name itself, derived from the Malay word for “guard,” encapsulates this protective spirit.
Despite a promising drop in financial losses to scams — down from $522.4 million to $456.4 million between the first halves of 2024 and 2025 — complacency is a dangerous trap. Scammers are relentless, ever-evolving. Their tactics mutate constantly, seeking new chinks in the armour. This hard truth underscores the vital importance of ongoing education, community awareness, and technological vigilance.
I urge every business owner, especially within the SME community, to integrate these practices deeply into daily operations. Culture matters: cultivate questioning attitudes, encourage verification, and reject haste driven by fear or greed. When confronted with a suspicious call or message, think like a detective. Verify with your contacts, scrutinise details, and remember that the smartest moves are made with a level head.
The battle against scams isn’t just technological — it’s human. It’s about recognising our vulnerabilities and fortifying them with knowledge and mindfulness. As the digital terrain shifts, our resilience depends on the small acts of caution done routinely. Stop. Check. Guard. The call to action is crystal clear, and it’s one we cannot afford to ignore.