Scammers Using AI to Commit Crimes at Speed as Singapore Launches Cyber Command

Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to commit fraud at unprecedented speed and scale, prompting Singapore to launch a dedicated Cyber Command within its police force to counter the threat. The move, reported by CNA, reflects growing alarm across ASEAN that traditional law enforcement methods cannot keep pace with AI-enabled crime.

AI tools have lowered the barrier to entry for sophisticated fraud. Techniques that once required specialised skills — creating convincing fake identities, cloning voices, generating realistic video calls — are now accessible to criminal networks through commercially available AI services.

Criminals are deploying AI across multiple scam categories:

**Deepfake video calls.** Scammers use AI-generated video to impersonate executives, government officials, or even family members during live video calls. Victims believe they are speaking to a real person and comply with requests for fund transfers or sensitive information.

**Voice cloning.** A few seconds of audio from social media or a phone call is enough for AI to clone a person's voice. Scammers use cloned voices to call victims pretending to be a relative in distress, a boss giving urgent instructions, or a bank officer requesting verification.

**Automated phishing at scale.** AI generates personalised phishing messages in multiple languages, adapting tone, context, and details to each target. This makes mass phishing campaigns far more convincing than generic template-based attacks.

**Fake investment platforms.** AI-generated testimonials, fabricated news articles, and deepfake endorsements from celebrities or public figures lend credibility to fraudulent investment platforms.

How are scammers using AI in Southeast Asia?

Scammers use AI for deepfake video calls, voice cloning, automated personalised phishing, and creating fake celebrity endorsements for fraudulent investment platforms. These tools make scams faster and harder to detect.

What is Singapore's Cyber Command?

Singapore's Cyber Command is a dedicated unit within the Singapore Police Force focused on combating cybercrime and online fraud, including AI-enabled scams. It reflects the growing need for specialised law enforcement capabilities against digital threats.