Half of Singapore's e-commerce scams happen on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram

In 2023, nearly half of e-commerce scams in Singapore occurred on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, prompting authorities to criticize Meta for inadequate fraud prevention efforts. A resident narrowly avoided a scam on Facebook by insisting on cash payment. Singapore faced a surge in scams, with 46,563 cases reported in 2023, resulting in losses of $480 million. E-commerce scams, the second most common type, doubled in number, with Meta platforms accounting for half. Despite government recommendations, Facebook Marketplace lacks critical safety features. Singapore introduced the Online Criminal Harms Act to combat scams, emphasizing the need for tech companies to comply with regulations. Meta pledged to enhance fraud prevention measures on its platforms. The police collaborated with e-commerce firms to combat scams, with Shopee and Carousell deploying staff at the Anti-Scam Centre. Cross-border transactions pose challenges, requiring legislative action to deter scams effectively. As scams rise, Singapore is intensifying efforts to protect residents from online fraud through awareness campaigns and enhanced verification measures.