In a significant move to combat the rising tide of scam advertisements, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that Facebook would face stricter regulations in the latter half of 2024. Despite previous efforts, the platform struggled to mitigate the frequency of fraudulent ads effectively.
Facebook has set a June 30, 2024, deadline for implementing a mandatory identity verification process for all advertisers. This measure, initiated by Meta, Facebook’s parent company, is a direct response to a troubling 12 per cent increase in scam advertisement reports during a pilot program that ran from June to December 2024. Given the rising tide of fraudulent ads, the urgency of this requirement cannot be overstated.
Initially, the MHA allowed Facebook to focus its verification efforts on a select group of advertisers deemed “risky.” However, with the persistent surge in scam incidents, the ministry hinted at tightening these requirements further if necessary.
This initiative aligns with the new Code of Practice for E-Commerce Services, which took effect in June 2024. Under this code, platforms like Facebook and Carousell are mandated to establish robust measures to safeguard users in Singapore from scams. The urgency of these actions underscores the growing concern over online safety and the responsibility of tech giants to protect their users.
On March 10, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced its satisfaction with the effectiveness of anti-scam measures implemented on popular online marketplaces, Meta and Carousell. After a thorough evaluation, the MHA concluded that there was no immediate need to enforce compulsory verification measures for all sellers.
E-commerce scams have become a common concern, often involving enticing offers for products like concert tickets that ultimately never reach the buyer. The ease of listing items on these platforms allows anyone with a Carousell or Facebook account to engage in fraudulent activities potentially.
However, recent statistics reveal a positive trend. Between June and December 2024, the number of scams reported on Facebook Marketplace saw a remarkable decline of approximately 55 per cent. This significant improvement has prompted the MHA to feel reassured about the current measures in place.
Despite this progress, the MHA remains vigilant. They emphasise their commitment to monitoring the e-commerce landscape continuously. Should the number of scams begin to rise again, they are prepared to revisit their decision and may impose stricter identity verification requirements for sellers on these platforms.
In a proactive move to combat online scams, the ministry is collaborating with Meta to enhance verification protocols for Facebook Pages starting in 2025. This initiative will initially target a select group of Pages, primarily those utilised by public figures and brands to engage with their audiences.
The need for such measures arises from alarming reports of scammers creating fraudulent Facebook Pages to promote fake goods and services. These deceitful profiles serve as tools for con artists, who reach out to unsuspecting victims, luring them into traps designed to steal their money. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has highlighted the urgency of this issue, noting that if the prevalence of scams does not decline, Meta may be compelled to enforce stricter verification requirements across all Pages.
Additionally, Meta and Carousell have been granted an extension to implement the necessary payment protection measures outlined in the Code of Practice. These measures stipulate that payments should only be released once goods and services have been verified as delivered. This extension allows the platforms more time to concentrate on enhancing verification processes and bolstering anti-scam initiatives.
Rafael Frankel, Meta’s director of public policy for Southeast Asia, indicated that user verification strategies may 
soon be introduced across other platforms, reflecting a growing commitment to safeguarding users from online fraud. As these developments unfold, the partnership between government and tech companies underscores the collective effort required to create a safer digital environment for all. This is not a task for one entity alone but a shared responsibility.
In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revealed that Carousell will be granted an additional six months to address the rising incidents of e-commerce scams on its platform. However, if the company fails to implement effective measures by October, it may be mandated to verify the identities of all its sellers. The potential consequences of not taking action are clear, underscoring the importance of Carousell’s efforts.
A representative from Carousell responded to the situation, emphasising that requiring identity verification for all sellers could create significant barriers to entry. Instead, the company plans to focus on identifying and monitoring sellers who engage in high-risk activities. Current scam trends, community feedback, and user behaviour patterns will inform this targeting.
Statistics gathered by MHA paint a concerning picture of e-commerce fraud in 2024. Facebook emerged as the leading platform for scams, with a staggering 4,368 reported cases, representing 37.4% of the total. Carousell followed, with 1,987 scams reported, accounting for 17% of all e-commerce fraud.
The overall numbers are alarming: e-commerce scams topped the list of fraudulent activities in 2024, with a total of 11,665 cases reported and victims suffering losses exceeding $17.5 million. This marks a significant increase from 2023, which recorded 9,783 scams involving $13.9 million. As the clock ticks down for Carousell, the pressure mounts to find a solution to this growing issue in the digital marketplace.
Secure browsing
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