Latest news with #NSCOs
The Star
12-07-2025
- The Star
More national servicemen may be recruited to tackle scams: Singapore Police
SINGAPORE: While many full-time national servicemen (NSFs) train in dense forests or patrol bustling streets, a special group of them wages an online war against scams. Known as national service cybercrime operators (NSCOs), they trawl social media for scammers and block scam websites from public access. There are 10 NSFs in this new vocation, which was introduced in 2024 to bolster Singapore's fight against the scam scourge. That year, scam victims lost a record $1.1 billion. A police spokeswoman said the Singapore Police Force plans to continue expanding the NSCO vocation to support more anti-cybercrime efforts across its units. A member from its pioneer batch, Special Constable (SC) Irfan Daniyal Mohammad Shaarin, 21, likened scouring social media for scam activity to being a hunter in a jungle. SC Irfan said: 'Once I start the clock, it's free range for me. I will proactively seek out anyone and anything I can find that fits our criteria for taking down these accounts.' SC Irfan and his colleague, SC Tan De Xun, 22, spoke to The Straits Times on July 9 at the Police Cantonment Complex about their experiences. Special Constable Tan De Xun, 22, who works at the Threat Intelligence Centre under the police's Cybercrime Command, helps officers identify and disrupt scam websites. - Photo: Lianhe Zaobao Both have a diploma in information technology, and did not expect to serve the nation this way. SC Tan thought he would be an administrative clerk, as most of his friends received such postings. But he was invited to undergo an aptitude test and interview for the new vocation, and was accepted. SC Tan said: 'I felt like I hit the jackpot.' The police said selection and assessment for the vocation are done during the Police Officer Basic Course, where suitable police NSFs are selected based on their aptitude and skill sets. SC Tan, who works at the Threat Intelligence Centre under the police's Cybercrime Command, helps officers identify and disrupt scam websites. Examples include scammers impersonating celebrities and political leaders to sell cryptocurrency, or fraudulent imitations of banking sites. One morning, SC Tan's team detected a fake bank website phishing for customers' internet banking details. They blocked it within minutes, before internet activity increased during the morning rush hour. SC Tan, who will be pursuing a university degree in business artificial intelligence systems, said: 'My time here is quite fulfilling, because being able to block or disrupt these websites, I'm protecting local residents from being exposed to them.' At the Anti-Scam Command, SC Irfan scours social media for scam activity such as accounts impersonating those of government officials. He then works with police officers to alert the respective social media platforms, which are obliged under the Online Criminal Harms Act to act promptly. Common scams he deals with include fraudulent social media posts linked to CDC vouchers, which lure users to click on phishing links. In February, the police warned the public to be wary of such scams, noting that victims may come across Instagram posts that prompt them to claim their CDC vouchers via a fake RedeemSG link. SC Irfan said the challenge of cyber combat is dealing with scam accounts which pop up repeatedly. He said: 'Fighting scammers is like killing a hydra. You take down one head, two more appear. 'Whenever I take down a scam account, a few days later, or maybe even in a few hours, I would see another account with a very similar name.' But having witnessed his family members and friends fall prey to other scams, SC Irfan said he does not want others to experience the same ordeal. He added: 'I don't like to see people I care about feel helpless. So, my solution is to work directly in the area that might affect more of them in the future.' SC Irfan, whose childhood dream was to be a police officer, added: 'Even though I'm not down (on the ground) patrolling or fighting criminals in operations, I am doing what I can with my capabilities.' - The Straits Times/ANN
New Paper
12-07-2025
- New Paper
More NSFs may be deployed to fight scams online, say police
While many full-time national servicemen (NSFs) train in dense forests or patrol bustling streets, a special group of them wages an online war against scams. Known as National Service Cybercrime Operators (NSCOs), they trawl social media for scammers and block scam websites from public access. There are 10 NSFs in this new vocation, which was introduced in 2024 to bolster Singapore's fight against the scam scourge. That year, scam victims lost a record $1.1 billion. A police spokeswoman said it plans to continue expanding the NSCO vocation to support more anti-cybercrime efforts across its units. A member from its pioneer batch, Special Constable (SC) Irfan Daniyal Mohammad Shaarin, 21, likened scouring social media for scam activity to being a hunter in a jungle. SC Irfan said: "Once I start the clock, it's free range for me. I will proactively seek out anyone and anything I can find that fits our criteria for taking down these accounts." SC Irfan and his colleague SC Tan De Xun, 22, spoke to The Straits Times on July 9 at the Police Cantonment Complex about their experiences. Both have a diploma in information technology, and did not expect to serve the nation this way. SC Tan thought he would be an administrative clerk, as most of his friends received such postings. But he was invited to undergo an aptitude test and interview for the new vocation, and was accepted. SC Tan said: "I felt like I hit the jackpot." The police said selection and assessment for the vocation are done during the Police Officer Basic Course, where suitable police NSFs are selected based on their aptitude and skill sets. SC Tan, who works at the Threat Intelligence Centre under the police's Cybercrime Command, helps officers identify and disrupt scam websites. Examples include those impersonating celebrities and political leaders to sell cryptocurrency, or fraudulent imitations of banking sites. One morning, SC Tan's team detected a fake bank website phishing for customers' Internet banking details. They blocked it within minutes, before Internet activity increased during the morning rush hour. SC Tan, who will be pursuing a university degree in business artificial intelligence systems, said: "My time here is quite fulfilling, because being able to block or disrupt these websites, I'm protecting local residents from being exposed to them." SC Tan De Xun, 22, who works at the Threat Intelligence Centre under the police's Cybercrime Command, helps officers identify and disrupt scam websites. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO At the Anti-Scam Command, SC Irfan scours social media for scam activity such as accounts impersonating government officials. He then works with police officers to alert the respective social media platforms, which are obliged under the Online Criminal Harms Act to act promptly. A common scam he deals with are fraudulent social media posts linked to CDC vouchers, which lure users to click on phishing links. In February, the police warned members of the public to be cautious of such scams, noting victims may come across Instagram posts that prompt them to claim their CDC vouchers via a fake RedeemSG link. SC Irfan said the challenge of cyber combat is dealing with scam accounts which pop up repeatedly. He said: "Fighting scammers is like killing a hydra. You take down one head, two more appear. "Whenever I take down a scam account, a few days later, or maybe even in a few hours, I would see another account with a very similar name." But having witnessed his family members and friends fall prey to other scams, SC Irfan said he does not want others to experience the same ordeal. He added: "I don't like to see people I care about feel helpless. So, my solution is to work directly in the area that might affect more of them in the future." SC Irfan, whose childhood dream was to be a police officer, added: "Even though I'm not down (on the ground) patrolling or fighting criminals in operations, I am doing what I can with my capabilities."
Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Straits Times
More NSFs may be recruited to tackle scams: Police
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Special Constable (SC) Irfan Daniyal Mohammad Shaarin, 21, likened scouring social media for scam activity to being a hunter in a jungle. SINGAPORE - While many full-time national servicemen (NSFs) train in dense forests or patrol bustling streets, a special group of them wages an online war against scams. Known as National Service Cybercrime Operators (NSCOs), they trawl social media for scammers and block scam websites from public access. There are 10 NSFs in this new vocation, which was introduced in 2024 to bolster Singapore's fight against the scam scourge. That year, scam victims lost a record $1.1 billion . A police spokeswoman said it plans to continue expanding the NSCO vocation to support more anti-cybercrime efforts across its units. A member from its pioneer batch, Special Constable (SC) Irfan Daniyal Mohammad Shaarin, 21, likened scouring social media for scam activity to being a hunter in a jungle. SC Irfan said: 'Once I start the clock, it's free range for me. I will proactively seek out anyone and anything I can find that fits our criteria for taking down these accounts.' SC Irfan and his colleague SC Tan De Xun, 22, spoke to The Straits Times on July 9 at the Police Cantonment Complex about their experiences. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over engine switch movement Business F&B operators face tougher business landscape amid rising costs and stiff competition Multimedia Which floor is this? Chongqing's maze-like environment powers its rise as a megacity Life The rise of Tupai King, the rage of weather: How durian season is changing Asia 'Woven air': Ancient fabric spun across history makes comeback amid lies and climate change Life At 79, she can do 100 pull-ups: Why more seniors are hitting the gym Business What's in store for policyholders after GE removes pre-authorisation letters for two private hospitals Both have a diploma in information technology, and did not expect to serve the nation this way. SC Tan thought he would be an administrative clerk, as most of his friends received such postings. But he was invited to undergo an aptitude test and interview for the new vocation, and was accepted. SC Tan said: 'I felt like I hit the jackpot.' The police said selection and assessment for the vocation are done during the Police Officer Basic Course, where suitable police NSFs are selected based on their aptitude and skill sets. SC Tan, who works at the Threat Intelligence Centre under the police's Cybercrime Command, helps officers identify and disrupt scam websites. Examples include those impersonating celebrities and political leaders to sell cryptocurrency , or fraudulent imitations of banking sites. One morning, SC Tan's team detected a fake bank website phishing for customers' Internet banking details. They blocked it within minutes, before Internet activity increased during the morning rush hour. SC Tan, who will be pursuing a university degree in business artificial intelligence systems, said: 'My time here is quite fulfilling, because being able to block or disrupt these websites, I'm protecting local residents from being exposed to them.' SC Tan De Xun, 22, who works at the Threat Intelligence Centre under the police's Cybercrime Command, helps officers identify and disrupt scam websites. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO At the Anti-Scam Command, SC Irfan scours social media for scam activity such as accounts impersonating government officials. He then works with police officers to alert the respective social media platforms, which are obliged under the Online Criminal Harms Act to act promptly. A common scam he deals with are fraudulent social media posts linked to CDC vouchers, which lure users to click on phishing links. In February, the police warned members of the public to be cautious of such scams , noting victims may come across Instagram posts that prompt them to claim their CDC vouchers via a fake RedeemSG link. SC Irfan said the challenge of cyber combat is dealing with scam accounts which pop up repeatedly. He said: 'Fighting scammers is like killing a hydra. You take down one head, two more appear. 'Whenever I take down a scam account, a few days later, or maybe even in a few hours, I would see another account with a very similar name.' But having witnessed his family members and friends fall prey to other scams, SC Irfan said he does not want others to experience the same ordeal. He added: 'I don't like to see people I care about feel helpless. So, my solution is to work directly in the area that might affect more of them in the future.' SC Irfan, whose childhood dream was to be a police officer, added: 'Even though I'm not down (on the ground) patrolling or fighting criminals in operations, I am doing what I can with my capabilities.'
Straits Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Servicemen's contributions recognised at Police Day Parade
SINGAPORE – 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Police National Service (PNS), which was conceived after a terror incident in Singapore. And PNS officers have contributed much to keeping the country safe, said Mr Edwin Tong, who was attending his first police event as the second minister for Home Affairs. He made these comments on June 3 at the Police Day observance ceremony, which took place at the Home Team Academy at Choa Chu Kang. Mr Tong, who is also the Minister for Law, thanked police officers past and present for their sacrifices . He said: 'Policing, we know, is an inherently challenging profession. Threats to our public order and security remain ever present, and your operating environment is increasingly complex and highly demanding. 'Thank you for your steadfast dedication round the clock, for putting your lives on the line to uphold and enforce our laws, to keep Singapore safe and secure.' PNS was introduced in 1975, a year after the Laju incident, in which four armed attackers targeted the oil refinery on Pulau Bukom and hijacked a ferry, called the Laju, with civilians onboard. It was Singapore's first brush with international terrorism. The hostages were released after a group of 13 'guarantors', including former President S R Nathan, boarded the vessel to take their place. Said Mr Tong: 'We recognised the urgent need to strengthen the protection of our vital installations. And so, full-time PNS was introduced — where their role was established to serve as a credible deterrent against future threats.' PNS officers now work with regular police officers to perform frontline duties such as patrolling the streets and responding to incidents. Mr Tong said that in the recent general election more than 8,000 PNS officers were recalled and deployed at rallies, polling stations and counting centres to control crowds and ensure public safety. Two batches of NSCOs have been deployed to the Anti-Scam Command and Cybercrime Command. NSCOs detect and disrupt cybercrimes and scams, including operating the ScamShield dashboard to review user-reported scams. Said Mr Tong: 'They are at the forefront of safeguarding Singapore's digital space as our new generation of cyber defenders.' Scams and cybercrimes account for the majority of crime in Singapore. A record $1.1 billion was lost here to scams in 2024. To commemorate the 50 years of PNS, Mr Tong announced that SPF will be holding a series of events including the launch of a PNS50 time capsule, and a graduation parade for the 200th PNSF intake. Said Mr Tong: 'To our PNS officers, both past and present, thank you very much for stepping up to serve the nation, taking your training seriously, and discharging your duties with the utmost professionalism. 'You have played an invaluable role in keeping Singapore safe and secure. To your families and employers, thank you too for your support as our PNSmen perform their duties.' Police day also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Singapore Police Force (SPF) band. Established in 1925, it is the oldest uniformed band in Singapore, consisting of more than 60 officers. In recognition of their achievements in 2024, the police Central Division was lauded as the Best Land Division during the ceremony. It is the second time it has received the award, after winning it in 2018. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Wong Keng Hoe, commander of the Police Central Division, received the award from Mr Tong during the ceremony. DAC Wong told the media in an interview on June 2 that the award was due to the efforts of his predecessors and his officers on the ground. In 2024, the Central Division was responsible for ensuring the safety of the public during the Marina Bay Countdown 2025 and taking down scam syndicates who were trying to cheat retailers of electronic devices and jewellery. The runners-up for the Best Land Division were Clementi Police Division and Jurong Police Division. Tanglin Police Division was named Best NS Operationally Ready Unit, with Jurong Police Division and Woodlands Police Division achieving second and third place respectively. The award recognises national service divisions for their management of NS men in fitness, operations and recall rates. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
