Singapore Government Directory Restricts Contact Information to Combat Impersonation Scams

Singapore's Government Directory (SGDI) has restricted personal contact information starting July 1st to combat the rising surge of government impersonation and phishing scams. The directory now lists only senior officials including political appointees, judicial officers, and management personnel above director level. Last year, impersonation scams targeting government employees increased 123.6% year-on-year, with victims losing approximately S$242.9 million.

The Growing Problem

Sharp Increase in Government Impersonation Scams

According to Singapore Police statistics, government impersonation scams have become a serious problem. Reported cases jumped from 1,504 in 2024 to 3,363 in 2025—a 123.6% increase in just one year. Victims suffered combined losses of approximately S$242.9 million, representing a 60% increase from the previous year.

How These Scams Work

Scammers pose as government officials via email, phone calls, or messaging applications. They impersonate legitimate government workers using authentic-sounding names and contact details to build credibility, then request victims send money, disclose personal information, or take immediate action. When government employees' real names and contact details are publicly available, scammers exploit this information to make their fraudulent claims more convincing.

Government Response

To combat this threat, Singapore's government has streamlined the Singapore Government Directory (SGDI) by restricting the personal information it makes public.

Key Changes:

Only political appointees, judicial officers, and senior management above director level are listed
General civil servants' names, email addresses, and direct phone numbers have been removed
Official feedback channels and Service Quality Managers' (QSM) contact details are now more prominently displayed

How to Protect Yourself

Verify Official Contacts

When receiving communication from a government agency, verify the person's name and department through the official SGDI
If in doubt, look up the agency's contact details directly through official government websites and call them yourself
Never click links in emails; instead, navigate directly to official websites

Warning Signs to Watch For

Requests for urgent action or immediate payment
Demands for personal information (passport numbers, bank account details)
Unnatural grammar or poor use of language
Unusual communication methods (suspicious email addresses or messaging apps)

If You Fall Victim

If you've been scammed or targeted by a scammer, report it immediately to Singapore Police. Online reporting is available.

Contact Points:

Singapore Police (Police@sg website)
Anti-Scam Hotline: 1800-722-6558