SINGAPORE: What do you do when you get call from an unknown number? Do you pick up, thinking it might be a potential job offer or an emergency from your child’s school? Or do you ignore it, thinking it is just another scammer trying to pull a fast one?
In the never-ending battle against scams, some people are finding solace in an unconventional tactic - scambaiting.
This refers to the act of intentionally engaging with scammers to waste their time and resources. Instead of hanging up or ignoring the call, they engage with the scammers, asking countless questions, leading them on wild goose chases or playing along with their schemes for their own entertainment.
As satisfying as it may feel to give scammers a taste of their own medicine, there are risks and legal considerations involved.
Singapore has seen an alarming surge in scams. In 2023, the total number of scams reported rose by 46.8 per cent to a record 46,563 from 31,728 the previous year, with losses amounting to S$651.8 million (US$479 million). Most of the victims fell for job scams, followed by e-commerce scams, fake friend call scams, phishing scams and investment scams.
In continued efforts to crack down against scams, Singapore passed a new law earlier this month to crack down on those who misuse local SIM cards to facilitate scams. Under this law, anyone who obtains or uses a SIM card with the intention of facilitating scams can face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
While most people simply ignore or block messages and calls from suspected scammers, some frustrated victims have taken to scambaiting as a form of vigilante justice.
In the United States, for example, a man pranked a scammer who was pretending to be his mother on Facebook with an elaborate story involving a demonic possession, a priest and an exorcism.
In a Facebook post, the man shared 21 screenshots of how he trolled the scammer. By keeping the scammer engaged with his outlandish tale, he prevented them from targeting more vulnerable victims.
Some Singaporeans have taken inspiration from this, sharing their own scambaiting conversations on social media.
In 2022, Singaporean actress Nurul Aini filmed herself having a conversation entirely in Mandarin with a scammer impersonating a health ministry officer. She told them her name was “Ah Mei”, acted concerned about a situation the scammer said she was in, then proceeded to belt out the chorus of the Taiwanese singer’s hit song You Don't Want Anything.
The motivations behind pranking scammers are complex. On a psychological level, it can provide a sense of power and control in a situation where one usually feels helpless. Mark Button, a criminology professor from the University of Portsmouth, explains that scambaiting can be a way for victims to feel like they are reclaiming control and getting back at the scammers who have wronged them.
There is also an element of intellectual satisfaction in outsmarting scammers at their own game. By spotting inconsistencies and luring scammers into logical traps, scambaiters feel a sense of superiority over those who attempt to deceive others for financial gain. It is a battle of wits that can be thrilling for those who enjoy a challenge.
However, scambaiting is not without risks. If a scambaiter engages in conduct tantamount to harassment, stalking, or doxxing, they can be criminally liable under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014.
Furthermore, engaging with scammers, even in jest, can sometimes escalate into threats or harassment. Scammers may retaliate by doxxing or targeting the scambaiter’s loved ones. In some cases, scammers may even become more aggressive or persistent in their attempts to con the scambaiter. This may ultimately cause more distress for the scambaiter.
Instead of taking matters into their own hands, victims are advised to report scams to the proper authorities. By consistently reporting scams, the public can support law enforcement efforts to track down and prosecute scammers. This also helps to build a database of scam tactics and trends, which can inform prevention strategies.
For example, volunteer-driven advocacy group Global Anti-Scam Organisation - which was founded in 2021 by a Singaporean woman who was a victim herself - operates an anti-scam website that collates and shares the hyperlinks of sham investment websites and apps deployed by scammers.
The government has also been ramping up anti-scam measures on multiple fronts. In June 2019, an Anti-Scam Centre was set up as a “nerve centre” to investigate scam-related crimes. In 2022, a full-fledged Anti-Scam Command was operationalised to consolidate and optimise resources and expertise in scams across all police units.
Public education is another key pillar in the fight against scams. The National Crime Prevention Council regularly conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to spot and avoid scams.
In January 2023, the NCPC launched the ninth edition of their annual anti-scam campaign, “I can ACT against scams” to highlight common scam tactics and encourage reporting. The campaign includes educational videos, social media posts, and outreach events to engage diverse segments of the population.
In schools, students are taught to guard against scams through various subjects and resources, such as during Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) classes.
By starting education early, we can foster a generation of discerning digital citizens who are less vulnerable to online scams.
Ultimately, turning the tide against scams will require a concerted effort from the government, law enforcement, and the public.
In March 2024, Singapore, along with 10 other countries, endorsed a communique at the inaugural Global Fraud Summit in London. The communique signifies a high-level commitment to combat scams and fraud.
The endorsed communique includes commitments to explore ways to improve the recovery of fraudulently acquired funds across different jurisdictions.
Last year, with the help of other countries, Singapore dismantled 19 transnational scam syndicates. Additionally, more than 19,600 bank accounts were frozen in Singapore, leading to the recovery of over S$100 million in scam losses.
While scambaiting may provide a temporary sense of gratification, it is not a sustainable or safe solution.
In the end, the most effective way to fight scams is to deny scammers the opportunity to deceive. By being informed, cautious, and proactive, we can reduce the chances of falling victim to scams in the first place.
And if we do encounter a scammer, the best course of action is to report it to the authorities and spread awareness to protect others.
Ben Chester Cheong is a law lecturer at Singapore University of Social Sciences, an ESG and regulatory lawyer at RHTLaw Asia LLP, and a doctoral researcher in sustainability law at the University of Cambridge.
Continue reading...
In the never-ending battle against scams, some people are finding solace in an unconventional tactic - scambaiting.
This refers to the act of intentionally engaging with scammers to waste their time and resources. Instead of hanging up or ignoring the call, they engage with the scammers, asking countless questions, leading them on wild goose chases or playing along with their schemes for their own entertainment.
As satisfying as it may feel to give scammers a taste of their own medicine, there are risks and legal considerations involved.
Singapore has seen an alarming surge in scams. In 2023, the total number of scams reported rose by 46.8 per cent to a record 46,563 from 31,728 the previous year, with losses amounting to S$651.8 million (US$479 million). Most of the victims fell for job scams, followed by e-commerce scams, fake friend call scams, phishing scams and investment scams.
In continued efforts to crack down against scams, Singapore passed a new law earlier this month to crack down on those who misuse local SIM cards to facilitate scams. Under this law, anyone who obtains or uses a SIM card with the intention of facilitating scams can face a fine of up to S$10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both.
Related:
TROLLING SCAMMERS
While most people simply ignore or block messages and calls from suspected scammers, some frustrated victims have taken to scambaiting as a form of vigilante justice.
In the United States, for example, a man pranked a scammer who was pretending to be his mother on Facebook with an elaborate story involving a demonic possession, a priest and an exorcism.
In a Facebook post, the man shared 21 screenshots of how he trolled the scammer. By keeping the scammer engaged with his outlandish tale, he prevented them from targeting more vulnerable victims.
Some Singaporeans have taken inspiration from this, sharing their own scambaiting conversations on social media.
In 2022, Singaporean actress Nurul Aini filmed herself having a conversation entirely in Mandarin with a scammer impersonating a health ministry officer. She told them her name was “Ah Mei”, acted concerned about a situation the scammer said she was in, then proceeded to belt out the chorus of the Taiwanese singer’s hit song You Don't Want Anything.
The motivations behind pranking scammers are complex. On a psychological level, it can provide a sense of power and control in a situation where one usually feels helpless. Mark Button, a criminology professor from the University of Portsmouth, explains that scambaiting can be a way for victims to feel like they are reclaiming control and getting back at the scammers who have wronged them.
There is also an element of intellectual satisfaction in outsmarting scammers at their own game. By spotting inconsistencies and luring scammers into logical traps, scambaiters feel a sense of superiority over those who attempt to deceive others for financial gain. It is a battle of wits that can be thrilling for those who enjoy a challenge.
However, scambaiting is not without risks. If a scambaiter engages in conduct tantamount to harassment, stalking, or doxxing, they can be criminally liable under the Protection from Harassment Act 2014.
Furthermore, engaging with scammers, even in jest, can sometimes escalate into threats or harassment. Scammers may retaliate by doxxing or targeting the scambaiter’s loved ones. In some cases, scammers may even become more aggressive or persistent in their attempts to con the scambaiter. This may ultimately cause more distress for the scambaiter.
Related:
ANTI-SCAM EFFORTS
Instead of taking matters into their own hands, victims are advised to report scams to the proper authorities. By consistently reporting scams, the public can support law enforcement efforts to track down and prosecute scammers. This also helps to build a database of scam tactics and trends, which can inform prevention strategies.
For example, volunteer-driven advocacy group Global Anti-Scam Organisation - which was founded in 2021 by a Singaporean woman who was a victim herself - operates an anti-scam website that collates and shares the hyperlinks of sham investment websites and apps deployed by scammers.
The government has also been ramping up anti-scam measures on multiple fronts. In June 2019, an Anti-Scam Centre was set up as a “nerve centre” to investigate scam-related crimes. In 2022, a full-fledged Anti-Scam Command was operationalised to consolidate and optimise resources and expertise in scams across all police units.
Public education is another key pillar in the fight against scams. The National Crime Prevention Council regularly conducts awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to spot and avoid scams.
In January 2023, the NCPC launched the ninth edition of their annual anti-scam campaign, “I can ACT against scams” to highlight common scam tactics and encourage reporting. The campaign includes educational videos, social media posts, and outreach events to engage diverse segments of the population.
In schools, students are taught to guard against scams through various subjects and resources, such as during Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) classes.
By starting education early, we can foster a generation of discerning digital citizens who are less vulnerable to online scams.
Ultimately, turning the tide against scams will require a concerted effort from the government, law enforcement, and the public.
In March 2024, Singapore, along with 10 other countries, endorsed a communique at the inaugural Global Fraud Summit in London. The communique signifies a high-level commitment to combat scams and fraud.
The endorsed communique includes commitments to explore ways to improve the recovery of fraudulently acquired funds across different jurisdictions.
Last year, with the help of other countries, Singapore dismantled 19 transnational scam syndicates. Additionally, more than 19,600 bank accounts were frozen in Singapore, leading to the recovery of over S$100 million in scam losses.
DENYING SCAMMERS THE CHANCE TO DECEIVE
While scambaiting may provide a temporary sense of gratification, it is not a sustainable or safe solution.
In the end, the most effective way to fight scams is to deny scammers the opportunity to deceive. By being informed, cautious, and proactive, we can reduce the chances of falling victim to scams in the first place.
And if we do encounter a scammer, the best course of action is to report it to the authorities and spread awareness to protect others.
Ben Chester Cheong is a law lecturer at Singapore University of Social Sciences, an ESG and regulatory lawyer at RHTLaw Asia LLP, and a doctoral researcher in sustainability law at the University of Cambridge.
Continue reading...