How does it work? - SCAMSHIELD

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11 questions inHow does it work?

How does the ScamShield app work?
The app filters incoming calls and SMSes from unknown contacts, including overseas numbers. ScamShield uses a combination of an on-device algorithm and information provided by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), such as blacklisted numbers linked to scams, to determine if a call or SMS is a scam or not. When you receive an incoming SMS from an unknown contact, ScamShield will determine if the SMS is a scam using an on-device algorithm. For iOS, it filters the messages to a junk SMS folder. For Android, a notification is sent to users to notify them that a scam message has been received. Scam calls and SMSes detected by the algorithm or reported by the public will be sent to National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and SPF for collation. This keeps the app updated and will help protect others from such scam calls and messages. For your privacy, ScamShield does not filter calls and SMSes coming from a contact known to you.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
8 found this answer helpful
How do I know that the app is working?
The app is designed to work in the background to protect you from scam calls and SMSes. To check if ScamShield is working, iOS users may view filtered SMSes on their phone's junk SMS folder. For Android users, a notification is sent to users if a scam SMS has been received.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
5 found this answer helpful
Will the app block calls from people I know?
The app does not filter calls from people in your contact list, or those you have an existing conversation with. The app only blocks calls from our database of blocked numbers, managed centrally by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and Singapore Police Force (SPF).
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
1 found this answer helpful
I am unable to set up the app
If you have issues with setting up the app, please follow the instructions on our website: https://www.scamshield.org.sg/setup-guide/. If you are still facing issues, do contact us through this form: https://go.gov.sg/scamshield-feedback
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
1 found this answer helpful
Will it filter SMSes from people I know?
The app does not filter messages coming from people in your contact list, or contacts that you have an existing conversation with.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
Will I still be able to see the SMSes that have been filtered?
For iOS, filtered messages are sent to the Junk SMS folder on your phone. It is the same concept as a junk folder for your email inbox. You will still be able to see these messages if you open the folder. For Android, a notification is sent to inform you about the scam message. The messages will remain in your inbox due to Android policy restrictions. Please avoid clicking any links in these SMSes that have been flagged as possible scams.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
What happens if I delete the app? Will all my junk messages be deleted too?
No, the app does not delete your messages. For iOS, the Junk SMS folder on your phone will remain with all the SMSes intact even after the app has been deleted. For Android, all SMSes remain in your SMS folder after the app has been deleted.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
Once installed, can hackers hack into my phone if the app is compromised?
As the app does not individually identify any users, and it does not access any other data on your phone, you and your phone are not at risk even if the app is compromised.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
Do I need a WiFi or data plan for the app to work?
You don’t need WiFi or a data plan for the app to detect scam messages. The app runs in the background to detect incoming scam text messages. However, without WiFi or a data plan, the app will not be able to block scam calls, and will not be able to send details of reported scam messages and numbers for collation.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago
Will the app be able to filter spam messages from WhatsApp?
No, the ScamShield app can only filter incoming SMSes. If you receive spam messages on other chat apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Wechat, IMO, Viber, etc., you can forward them to us using ScamShield’s in-app reporting function. You can also use our ScamShield bot on WhatsApp to check and report any suspicious messages received on other chat apps.
SCAMSHIELD 5mo ago