The nature of scams change frequently as scammers change their tactics. This may lead to scam SMSes or calls getting through as ScamShield’s in-App algorithm takes some time to detect these new scam trends.

If you have received a potential scam call or SMS that was not picked up by ScamShield, this means that we have not added and tagged this number or message as scam in our database. Phone numbers are blocked only if they are deemed suspicious.

The ScamShield team seeks your help to report any new scam messages or calls on the ScamShield app that were not detected by the App, in order for us to keep our products up to date to fight scams better. By reporting scam messages and calls that were not detected by the ScamShield App, you help to keep the community safe from scams.

In the meantime, here are some steps you can take to reduce unwanted calls on your device:

• iOS users: Use the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature to automatically silence calls from numbers not in your contact list.

• Android users: Some Android devices come with built-in scam/spam call protection. Read more here.

  • You may also enable Caller ID and Spam Protection via Google’s settings.

• WhatsApp and third-party messaging apps:
  Due to privacy and encryption restrictions, ScamShield cannot block scam calls made via apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. However, you can still:

  • Report the number via ScamShield so it can be reviewed and potentially blocked at the cellular level.

  • Adjust your privacy settings in the messaging app to block unknown callers who aren’t in your contacts.

• Overseas calls:
  If you’re receiving frequent scam calls from international numbers and don’t usually expect overseas calls, you may want to opt out of international calls through your telco provider (Singtel, StarHub, M1). IMDA also provides more guidance in this press release.