FAQ
How does ScamShield work?
The app filters incoming calls and text messages. ScamShield compares an incoming call against a list maintained by the Singapore Police Force to determine if the number has been used for illegal purposes and blocks it.
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 SMSes will be sent to NCPC and SPF for collation. This keeps the app updated and will help protect others from such scam calls and messages.
Who built this app?
The app is a collaboration between the National Crime Prevention Council, and the Open Government Products (OGP) team. We also work closely with the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
I can’t find ScamShield on my Apple App Store/Google Play Store, or it is not available in my region.
The application is only available in Singapore, as the anti-scam functionality is tailored towards scams targeting Singapore. If you are in another country/region, changing your App Store/Play Store country/region to Singapore will allow you to download ScamShield.
Will the app block calls from people I know?
No. 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).
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.
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.
Are there any privacy concerns with using the app?
No, both iOS and Android have strict privacy rules on what ScamShield can or cannot read.
If a message comes from a contact saved on your phone, the SMS will not be sent to ScamShield. If you have previously interacted with an unknown contact, or decided to engage an unknown contact in conversation, then ScamShield will not get to see the message either. Only messages sent by unknown persons via SMS will be read by the AI. The app also does not have any access to your location data or any personal data (because it’s not necessary!)
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.
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 if the app is compromised.
Why can’t ScamShield automatically filter scam messages on Android devices?
On Android devices, we are unable to automatically move messages which ScamShield has identified as potential scams to the junk folder.
Since the release of Android 4.4 in 2013, users can select a “default SMS app” in the system settings on their phone. When the default SMS app is selected, only this app can modify the broadcasted action that can affect the delivery of an SMS. As ScamShield is not an SMS app, it does not have the same privileges as the default SMS app, and therefore can only be notified of incoming SMSes, but cannot affect the delivery of SMSes.
Android users on ScamShield will instead receive a notification when they receive a potential scam SMS. They can also find a compiled list of scam SMSes they have received on the in-app Alerts History page.
Why should I download ScamShield?
Currently, telecom operators do not help filter scam and spam calls and text messages.
The ScamShield mobile app is free to download, and most importantly, it can be an effective way to prevent scammers from contacting you.
How do I set up the app for the first time?
For iOS, you can find our app in the Apple App Store by clicking on this link or searching for ScamShield on the App Store.
For Android, you can find our app in the Google Play Store by clicking on this link or searching for ScamShield on the Play Store.
Please refer to our Setup section instructions on how to install and set up the ScamShield app.
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.
Will the app be able to filter spam messages from WhatsApp?
No, the app can only filter incoming SMSes. If you receive spam messages on other chat apps like WhatsApp, Wechat, IMO, Viber, etc., you can forward them to us using ScamShield’s in-app reporting function.
Can I deactivate either the filtering of incoming phone calls or text messages function?
Yes, either function can be deactivated at any time in your settings. Please note that this will limit the functionality of the app. To learn more, visit our setup guide
I can’t find the option to enable call blocking and SMS filtering?
If you do not have the setting you can try the following:
- Go to your phone’s Settings
- Go to Privacy, and then Tracking
- Enable the option “Allow Apps to Request to Track”
- If the setting is already turned on, please turn it off and then on again
- The call blocking and SMS filtering option should appear
Who do I contact if my number was blocked by ScamShield?
Write in to scamshield@ncpc.org.sg if you feel your number might have been blocked by ScamShield.
I have questions about the app! Who can I ask?
For any queries, questions or feedback, please contact us through this form