Contact details of many public officers in Singapore Government Directory removed to fight scams
The July 1 move comes amid rising risks of government official impersonation scams and phishing.
Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information has taken steps to enhance cybersecurity by updating the Singapore Government Directory. Since July 1, the directory has been streamlined, primarily listing contact information for political office holders, judicial appointees, senior management, and senior-level officials. This change aims to mitigate the risk of scams, particularly government official impersonation and phishing attempts.
The revised directory now prominently features official feedback and quality service management channels, providing clearer points of contact for public inquiries and feedback. This move comes amid a surge in such scams. In 2025, 3,363 cases were reported, compared to 1,504 in 2024. Scammers impersonate officials from various government agencies, including the Singapore Police Force, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and Ministry of Law, using tactics like fake phone calls claiming suspicious transactions.
These scams resulted in significant financial losses of $242.9 million in 2025, up from $151.3 million the previous year, making them the second-highest loss category in 2025. Investment scams claimed the largest share, with victims losing $336.2 million. The updated directory reflects the government's commitment to improving online security and streamlining user experience.
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