Cybersecurity firm Trend Micro has launched Scam Radar, a new feature in its ScamCheck app designed to detect and block online scams in real time.
The tool comes amid a surge in online fraud in Singapore, where scams have cost victims billions of dollars in recent years. Scammers are increasingly exploiting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes and sophisticated phishing tactics to impersonate trusted individuals and organisations.
Survey Shows Rising Scam Risks in Singapore
According to Trend Micro’s 2025 online scams survey, three in five Singapore residents encountered scam attempts, while one in three said they had fallen victim. The findings challenge the perception that scams primarily affect seniors, showing instead that all age groups are at risk.
Adults in the “sandwich generation” – typically aged 35 to 55 with both childcare and eldercare responsibilities – are particularly vulnerable. Time pressures and emotional stress make them more susceptible to fraudulent offers.
Fast-money schemes and fake investment opportunities were found to be the most effective methods, deceiving one in four individuals. Other common tactics include bogus retail promotions and impersonation of family members or friends.
Nearly half of survey respondents said their biggest fear was losing money or damaging their reputation. However, more than half admitted to relying mainly on intuition rather than protective tools, a practice that experts warn leaves them exposed.
Scam Radar: Detecting Scams Before They Escalate
Unlike traditional filters that block only spam messages or unsafe websites, Scam Radar analyses both content and behavioural signals across SMS, websites and messaging apps. By comparing these with known scam patterns, the tool issues early alerts and offers step-by-step guidance to help users recognise and avoid fraud.
“With people in Singapore living much of their lives online, scammers are increasingly using advanced technologies to design more convincing, personalised schemes,” said Ashley Millar, Consumer Education Director at Trend Micro. “In today’s complex scam landscape, staying safe online requires a multi-layered approach – education, caution, digital hygiene, and the right tools.”
The Scam Radar feature is part of Trend Micro ScamCheck, which also includes:
Deepfake detection during video calls SMS filtering for scam texts Web Guard for safe browsing Screenshot scanner for suspicious ads and messages Real-time alerts across platforms Privacy protection with no stored scans Global threat intelligence drawing on worldwide data
Trend Micro ScamCheck, including the new Scam Radar feature, is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. The company said it will continue updating its database of scam techniques as fraudsters evolve their methods.
