Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Singaporeans falling victim to scams and what the government's efforts are to combat this issue during an interview at the Istana on April 28, as reported by The Straits Times.
With scams costing Singaporeans approximately $660 million annually, PM Lee underlined the devastating impact on individuals, particularly the elderly, who may lose their life savings overnight.
During the interview, the Prime Minister also opened up about his own encounter with an online scam, revealing how he had fallen victim to a fake website. This personal anecdote shows that even individuals in positions can be susceptible to deceptive tactics employed by scammers online.
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Singapore's Efforts To Fight Online Scams
In line with his experience and the reported $2 million daily loss of Singaporeans falling victim to scams, he stressed the importance of raising awareness about cybersecurity threats and implementing effective measures to protect citizens.
PM Lee also addressed the increasing cases of fake news and the importance of media vigilance in combating misinformation, stressing the need for public education to improve digital literacy and protect against scams.
Singapore is expected to strengthen regulations and increase public awareness of online risks. The government is also encouraging people to report scams to the authorities so they can take action against scammers.
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