SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by Toku Research, a cloud communications and customer experience software company, sheds light on the evolving landscape of scam awareness in Singapore. The study, based on responses from 1,000 local consumers, highlights a significant surge in confidence among respondents in identifying scam calls and text messages compared to the preceding year.
Three out of four respondents expressed increased confidence in recognizing scam calls and text messages over the past 12 months. This shift is attributed to heightened awareness campaigns and educational efforts by relevant agencies.
An overwhelming 91 per cent of respondents believe that government agencies are diligently working to alert the public about scams and providing education on identifying and avoiding them.
Since the implementation of Singapore’s text message sender identification system, 87 per cent of participants reported that it has become easier to distinguish between legitimate and potentially fraudulent text messages.
Despite their familiarity with digital technology, more than one-third of Millennials surveyed indicated a willingness to click on suspicious text messages, marking the highest proportion among all age groups. In contrast, only 13 per cent of respondents aged 45-54 and a mere 8 per cent of those aged 18-24 admitted to such behaviour.
The report underscores the paradox that increased confidence in identifying scams does not necessarily translate into a reduced risk of falling victim to deception. The revelation that a considerable portion of Millennials is willing to engage with suspicious text messages raises concerns about the effectiveness of current awareness campaigns among this demographic.
This surprising finding aligns with data released by the police in September, emphasizing that individuals aged 20 to 39 are most susceptible to scams, constituting more than half of the total victims. The generational divide in risk-taking behaviour may necessitate targeted educational initiatives to address specific vulnerabilities among different age groups.
As Singapore grapples with evolving cybersecurity challenges, the survey provides valuable insights for policymakers and anti-scam initiatives to tailor their approaches and better safeguard the public against digital threats.