With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), scammers are increasingly using sophisticated tools to create highly convincing messages, voice calls, and even videos designed to trick individuals into sharing personal or financial information, these manipulated materials are commonly known as deepfakes.
In a survey released in July 2025 by Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), only a quarter of respondents1 could correctly distinguish between deepfake and legitimate videos when they were put to the test. This is true even though the majority report feeling confident in their ability to do so.
What are AI-driven scams?
- Fraudsters may use AI to clone or mimic voices of people you know, making phone calls sound authentic.
- They can generate realistic emails or text messages that appear to come from organizations.
- AI can even build fake websites, images or videos that closely resemble legitimate platforms or real individuals, making scams harder to spot.
How to spot signs of deepfakes:
- Unnatural facial expressions
- Inconsistencies in reflections and shadows
- Lip movements do not match the audio
- Messages or calls that pressure you to act urgently or secretly
- Requests for money transfers, passwords, or one‑time passwords
- Changes to payment instructions or contact details that are unexpected
- Messages or calls that pressure you to act urgently or secretly
- Requests for money transfers, passwords, or one‑time passwords
- Changes to payment instructions or contact details that are unexpected
Visual clues such as unnatural facial movements or mismatched lip‑sync may appear, but they are not always present, as deepfake technology continues to improve.
Smart Habits to Keep You Safe
Download ScamShield
ScamShield is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Police Force, Open Government Products, and the National Crime Prevention Council.
The ScamShield app helps block scam calls, detect and filter suspicious SMS messages, and allows users to check calls, websites, messages (SMS, Telegram and Whatsapp) for potential scams, adding an extra layer of protection.
Your safety is our priority. By staying vigilant and acting quickly, you can help reduce the impact of scams and protect yourself and others.
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We are committed to ensuring your security. Manulife Singapore will never request for your personal or financial credentials, such as passwords, one-time PINs (OTPs) or security codes, via phone or email. For more information on protecting yourself from cyber threats, please refer to https://www.manulife.com/sg/insurance/cybersecurity-advisory.
Manulife Singapore is firmly committed to respecting your privacy. Please read the Manulife Statement of Personal Data Protection for more information.