In the relentless battle against scams plaguing Singapore, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sindhu Dasan leads the charge as the head investigator of the Anti-Scam Command (ASC) within the Singapore Police Force (SPF). With fraud cases increasing to an alarming S$651.8 million in losses and 46,563 reported scam incidents in 2023—marking a staggering 50% increase from the previous year—DSP Sindhu finds herself at the forefront of combating this ever-growing menace.
Uncovering Scam Trends: DSP Sindhu’s Vigilance
From elaborate Taylor Swift ticket schemes on online marketplaces like Carousell to durian scams proliferating through Facebook, and from intricate love scams to large-scale fraud syndicates operating from overseas, the ASC confronts a diverse range of fraudulent activities. As the leader of one of ASC’s investigation teams, DSP Sindhu collaborates extensively with various entities to scrutinize and address over 100 reported scam cases daily.
Breaking Down Silos: Collaborative Approach to Combat Scams
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of scams, DSP Sindhu emphasizes the necessity of cross-sector collaboration to effectively combat fraudulent activities. With scams infiltrating sectors ranging from banking and e-commerce to social media platforms, DSP Sindhu underscores the importance of concerted efforts among stakeholders to counter these threats.
Adapting to Evolving Tactics: The ASC’s Strategy
As scammers continually innovate their tactics, DSP Sindhu’s team remains vigilant, dedicating substantial resources to monitoring emerging trends across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. By identifying patterns in scam schemes, the ASC devises proactive strategies to shield the public from falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
Combatting Psychological Manipulation: A Deeper Challenge
DSP Sindhu acknowledges the complexity of certain scams, particularly love scams, which exploit victims’ emotions and trust. In these cases, scammers assume false identities to establish romantic relationships, leading victims to unwittingly part with their money. Recognizing the psychological toll inflicted on victims, DSP Sindhu collaborates with SPF’s communications team to craft targeted messages, empowering vulnerable individuals to recognize and protect themselves from such manipulative tactics.