IMDA employs a multi-layered approach to disrupt scams across various communication channels. Through partnerships with Telcos and the Singapore Police Force, we've strengthened safeguards for SMS and calls to better protect users in Singapore.

Proven Impact on Calls and SMS

2024: 117 million potential scam calls and 50 million SMS messages blocked.
2025: Over 260 million potential scam calls and 40 million SMS messages blocked.
Mobile Line Disruption: Enhanced detection has disrupted approximately 100,000 mobile lines suspected of misuse since mid-2024.

Tightened SIM Card Safeguards

To minimise illicit SIM card use, registration limits have been tightened.

Prepaid: Limited to 3 SIM cards per subscriber since 2014.
Postpaid: While the previous limit was 10 SIM cards per telco, a new limit of 10 postpaid SIM cards across ALL telcos will take effect on 28 February 2026.
Self-Help Tool: From 26 February 2026, you can check your registered postpaid SIM cards that count towards the 10-SIM card limit via Singpass at go.gov.sg/simcardhowmany.

International Blocking Features

All telcos now offer features to block incoming international communications. Adoption continues to grow, with over 1.1 million subscribers activating overseas call blocking and over 270,000 activating overseas SMS blocking.

Recognising that many of these scam calls/SMSes come from overseas sources, IMDA worked with the telcos to introduce features for subscribers to block all incoming calls and/or SMSes from international numbers on their mobile phones and residential fixed lines. For a quick guide on how the international call and SMS blocking features work, please download the posters below:

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