Scammer Phone Number List Singapore: How to Check & Block Calls

If you’ve ever hesitated before answering a call from an unknown number, you already know the feeling. In Singapore, scam calls are so common that authorities receive over 1,000 reports every single day (Singapore Police Force advisory).

Scam calls received daily in Singapore: over 1,000 reported to authorities ·
ScamShield Helpline: 1799 (24/7) ·
Government scam detection app: ScamShield App (iOS/Android) ·
Money lost to scams in Singapore (2024): over SGD 650 million ·
Top scam type by calls: Impersonation of government officials

Five key facts about Singapore’s scam phone number landscape, one pattern: the tools are free, but they only work if you use them.

How to check if a number is a scammer in Singapore?

Using the ScamShield app

• Download the ScamShield app from the App Store or Google Play – it’s free and developed by GovTech Singapore (GovTech Singapore).
• The app automatically blocks known scam numbers and filters scam SMS messages (Singapore Police Force, June 2023).
• You can also manually check a number by entering it into the app’s search field. If it’s in the database, you’ll get an instant warning.

The ScamShield app is the most direct way to check a number without making a call. It’s updated constantly with new scam numbers reported by users and authorities.

Calling the ScamShield helpline at 1799

• Dial 1799 from any phone in Singapore – it’s free and available 24/7 (ScamShield Helpline page).
• A trained operator will help you verify whether a specific number or message is a scam.
• If you’re overseas, call +65 6869 1799.

The helpline can also connect you directly to your bank if you’ve already shared sensitive information – a feature that can save you precious minutes.

Using the ScamShield website checker

• Visit scamshield.gov.sg/check-for-scams/ to access the online number checker.
• Enter the phone number that called or messaged you. The site will cross-reference it against the official scam database.
• You can also browse recent scam alerts and learn about new tactics.

The website is a one-stop portal – it’s especially useful if you don’t want to install an app or make a call.

Using global caller-ID apps like Truecaller

• Truecaller is a free app that lets you search any phone number globally.
• It shows user-generated reports – if a number has been flagged as spam or scam by many people, you’ll see a red warning.
• You can also block numbers directly from the app.

Truecaller and similar apps are a useful complement, but they rely on crowd-sourced data. For official verification, always prefer the ScamShield tools.

How to check if a Singapore phone number is real?

Checking the number format (Singapore numbers start with +65)

• All legitimate Singapore phone numbers are 8 digits long after the +65 country code.
• Mobile numbers begin with 8 or 9. Landline numbers start with 6, 3, or 2.
• If a number claiming to be from Singapore has fewer than 8 digits, or starts with a different digit, it’s almost certainly a scam.

Scammers can spoof the +65 prefix, so even a correct format doesn’t guarantee safety. That’s why you need to verify further.

Verifying with the official phone directory

• Singapore’s official phone directory is maintained by the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA).
• You can search for business numbers at directory.gov.sg.
• If the number claims to be from a government agency, call the agency’s official hotline (not the number that called you) to confirm.

Cross-referencing with the official directory is a simple but effective way to catch impersonation scams.

Cross-referencing on reverse lookup services

• Services like Truecaller and Whitepages allow you to enter a number and see if it’s linked to a known business or individual.
• Be cautious: some reverse lookup sites may charge fees or show outdated information.
• For Singapore-specific lookups, the ScamShield website is the most reliable source.

The pattern: format check is quick, but spoofing makes it insufficient. Always use at least one verification method from the official toolkit.

How to identify a scammer call?

Common scam call signs in Singapore

• Scammers often impersonate government officials – from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to the police.
• They may claim you have a parcel stuck at customs, a missed court summons, or an urgent bank alert.
• Many calls use spoofed local numbers that look exactly like a real Singapore number (+65 8xxx xxxx).

If the caller pressures you to act immediately – “Your account will be frozen” – that’s a red flag. Legitimate agencies never rush you.

Never say these words to a scammer

• Never say “yes” on the phone – scammers can record your voice and use it to authorise charges.
• Never give your NRIC number, bank account details, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
• Never confirm your full name, address, or date of birth unless you initiated the call to a verified number.

Scammers are trained to keep you talking. Once they have your voice or personal data, they can execute identity theft or fraudulent transactions.

What to do if you accidentally call back a spam number

• Hang up immediately. Do not press any keys or follow any instructions.
• Block the number on your phone.
• If you suspect you’ve been charged a premium rate, contact your telecom provider and ask to block premium SMS/call services.
• Report the number to ScamShield via the app or helpline 1799.

The trade-off: calling back a spam number rarely risks your data on its own, but it may confirm your number is active. Scammers can then sell your number to other fraudsters.

How to report a scammer to the police in Singapore?

Reporting via the ScamShield app

• Open the ScamShield app and tap “Report Scam”. You can enter the phone number, date, and a brief description.
• The app automatically sends the report to the Singapore Police Force for investigation.
• Your report also helps improve the app’s detection database for other users.

This is the fastest way to report – it takes less than two minutes.

Filing a police report online

• Visit the Singapore Police Force’s e-reporting portal at police.gov.sg/e-services.
• Select “Scam” and fill in the details. You’ll need the scammer’s phone number, the date and time, and any other evidence (e.g., SMS screenshots).
• You’ll receive a reference number. Keep it for your records.

Online reporting is suitable for cases where you haven’t lost money yet. If you’ve already been defrauded, call the hotline.

Calling the police hotline

• For urgent matters, call the 24/7 Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000.
• You can also use the i-Witness portal or the Police@SG mobile app for non-urgent reports.
• Always provide the scammer’s phone number and any other details you have.

What this means: there are multiple channels, but the ScamShield app is the most efficient for routine reporting. For emergencies or financial loss, call the hotline.

Where can I find a list of scammer phone numbers in Singapore?

Community lists on Reddit

• Reddit’s r/singapore forum frequently features posts where users share scam numbers they’ve received (Reddit r/singapore).
• These lists are user-generated and updated in real-time, so they can be very current.
• However, they may contain errors – some numbers might be incorrectly flagged, or the list may be incomplete.

Community lists are a good supplement but not a primary source. Always verify with official tools.

Official lists from the Singapore Police Force

• The ScamShield database is the most authoritative list of scam numbers in Singapore.
• The police periodically publish scam alerts on their website, listing recent scam numbers and tactics.
• You can also subscribe to scam alerts via the ScamShield WhatsApp and Telegram channels.

Official lists are reliable but may not be as up-to-the-minute as community reports. Using both is the smart approach.

Compilations from anti-scam organisations

• Organisations like the Singapore Anti-Scam (SAS) maintain curated lists of scam numbers.
• These are often shared on social media and in community newsletters.
• Be cautious – some compilations may be outdated because scammers change numbers frequently.

The pattern: official sources are trustworthy but slower; community sources are faster but less reliable. Cross-check any suspicious number on the ScamShield app before acting.

What to do if you are a victim of a scam call?

Immediate steps to protect your finances

• If you’ve shared any banking details, call your bank immediately to freeze your accounts.
• Change your online banking passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• If you’ve given away OTPs, contact your bank’s fraud department right away.

Every minute counts. The ScamShield helpline can connect you directly to your bank’s fraud team – use it.

Contacting your bank

• Call the 24/7 hotline of your bank (the number is on the back of your ATM card or on the bank’s official website).
• If you dialed 1799, the operator can transfer you to the bank’s fraud department.
• Request a stop payment on any unauthorised transactions.

Banks in Singapore generally have a zero-liability policy for fraud if you report quickly. But the window is narrow – act within 24 hours.

Reporting to the police

• File a police report online or visit the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre.
• Bring any evidence: call logs, SMS screenshots, bank statements.
• Get a copy of the police report for your insurance claim (if applicable).

The trade-off: reporting may feel like a hassle, but it’s the only way to help authorities track and shut down scam operations. Your report could prevent the next victim.

Step-by-step: How to use the ScamShield ecosystem to check a number

1. Open the ScamShield app (or go to scamshield.gov.sg/check-for-scams/).
2. Enter the suspicious number in the search bar. If it’s flagged, you’ll see a warning.
3. If the app doesn’t give a clear answer, call 1799 and speak to a live operator.
4. If you confirm it’s a scam, report it via the app or the helpline.
5. Block the number on your phone and tell your family members to block it too.

This five-step routine takes less than three minutes. Make it a habit every time you receive an unexpected call.

Timeline of scam prevention in Singapore

• 2023: Singapore Police launches upgraded ScamShield app with real-time blocking and reporting.
• 2024: Record scam losses in Singapore reach over SGD 650 million.
• 2025: ScamShield helpline 1799 introduced for 24/7 scam verification.
• 2026: Expected updates to caller-ID laws and anti-spoofing technology in Singapore.

The trajectory is clear: Singapore is investing heavily in prevention, but the scammers are evolving too. Staying informed is your best defence.

“Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.”

ScamShield official website

“Rising cases of impersonation scams, urge public to use ScamShield app.”

Singapore Police Force

“Guide on checking unknown numbers and identifying scam calls.”

Starhub (telecom security guide)

For anyone living in Singapore, the choice is clear: take three minutes to install the ScamShield app and save 1799 in your contacts, or risk losing money to a call that could have been verified. The tools are free, the government has made them easy, and the stakes – over SGD 650 million lost in 2024 alone – are too high to ignore. For the scammer, the game is getting harder. For you, the defence is just a tap away.

Frequently asked questions

How to check scammer phone numbers with ScamShield app and helpline