Singapore to Pilot Common Prefix for Govt Calls to Fight…

Singapore is implementing a new common prefix for official government calls to help citizens identify and avoid deepfake impersonation scams. This measure follows a significant incident where a victim suffered losses totaling approximately S$5 million due to a deepfake-related fraud.

What happened

The implementation of the common prefix for government calls, set to be tested by the Singapore Police Force in late 2026, serves as a response to evolving scam tactics. During a parliamentary discussion, MAS Deputy Chairman Chee Hong Tat confirmed the existence of a deepfake impersonation case that resulted in S$5 million in losses, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on bank controls. To combat such threats, the government is coordinating with financial institutions and online platforms to implement broader safeguards.

As part of these efforts, new rules introduced in August 2026 require messaging and conferencing services to prevent users from impersonating government entities through profile names or images. Additionally, banks have introduced "friction" to risky transactions, including mandatory 12-hour delays when adding new payees or increasing transfer limits. Financial institutions have also removed PayNow nicknames to hinder scammers attempting to pose as legitimate individuals or organizations. While these measures have contributed to a reduction in impersonation scam cases and financial losses, authorities continue to monitor emerging threats and adjust security protocols in collaboration with industry partners.