TikTok
TikTok, the leading destination for short-form video, today rolled out its refreshed version of the Scam Prevention Edition of its Digital Wellness Hub, in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) and the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Building on the success of its first edition in 2023, the hub aims to continuously provide users with relevant tools, up-to-date resources and insights to ensure user safety in the digital realm. This includes an enhanced version of TikTok's ShopSafe Programme and a new quiz to help users test, detect, and report scams, empowering them to navigate the digital space securely.
Scams continue to be of grave concern in Singapore. In the first half of 2024, the number of reported cases increased by 16.3% as compared to the same period in 2023. 86% of these cases are self-effected, meaning that scammers manipulated the victims into transferring monies to them willingly. In view of this, TikTok is actively contributing to prevention efforts by leveraging the power of its platform to reinforce local scam education. To empower TikTok users with the knowledge they need to identify and report suspicious online activities, the introduction of these targeted educational resources will focus on raising awareness of the importance of digital safety and effective strategies to recognise and avoid prevalent online scams.
In addition, the launch of TikTok Shop's enhanced TikTok ShopSafe Program in Singapore, will invite users to report the vulnerabilities they discover on TikTok Shop and earn rewards in return. Platform users can now report any non-technical platform loopholes or gaps that can be exploited by scammers and result in any loss or damage to TikTok Shop or users in Singapore. Depending on the severity of the vulnerability discovered, users can earn cash-equivalent rewards of up to USD 1,000 for each valid report. More information on the program can be accessed through the refreshed Digital Wellness Hub.
"Due to the ever-evolving nature and complexity of scam tactics, we must continuously enhance our community's literacy to identify online scams. Our ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Crime Prevention Council, and the Singapore Police Force is an effort to consolidate expertise and knowledge to combat scams. We hope to empower all users with the reporting tools through our TikTok ShopSafe programme and join hands to spot new fraud patterns," said Teresa Tan, Director of Public Policy at TikTok Singapore and ASEAN.
“The fight against scams requires a whole-of-society effort and public education is key. Cross-organisational partnerships such as this collaboration with TikTok, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Police Force, and the National Crime Prevention Council is important. By working together, we aim to create a more secure environment that protects individuals and foster trust with our digital communities," said Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Devrajan Bala, Director, Scams Public Education Office, Singapore Police Force who is also the Executive Director, National Crime Prevention Council.
Users accessing the Hub will find three tabs that present important information in an educational and engaging format, equipping them with all the essential knowledge they need to protect themselves from scams:
Access TikTok's Scam Prevention Edition of the Digital Wellness Hub here, or by searching scam-related search terms on TikTok. Visit our Safety Center for more information on TikTok's stance on scams.
