News & Reviews:   sms

In a continuous effort to battle online scams, Maxis has rolled out an integrated artificial intelligence-powered network firewall, designed to combat digital fraud across both voice and SMS traffic. The system has been operational since January 2026 and forms part of the company’s broader multi-layered security framework aimed at delivering safer connectivity for customers.

The difficulty of detecting Fake Base Transceiver Station (Fake BTS) devices that can be hidden in vehicles or bags is a major challenge for authorities in curbing short messaging service (SMS) fraud syndicates. That said, what should you know about it?

During the long weekend, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) successfully dismantled a scam operation that used fake mobile base stations to intercept networks and distribute fraudulent SMS messages in Genting Highlands. In a media statement dated 31 January 2026, MCMC confirmed that the operation was successfully neutralised following continuous technical monitoring and network analysis.

In a continuous effort to combat online scams, Google has just rolled out a new functionality: Circle to Search and Google Lens can now help you detect scam messages and suspicious texts. Instead of just searching for definitions or images, these tools will analyse messages — like SMS, chat app texts, or social-media DMs — to determine if they might be scams.

The government of Singapore Police Force (SPF) has formally instructed Google and Apple to implement safeguards preventing fraudsters from spoofing government-agency identities on their messaging platforms. The order comes after a surge in scams where messages appearing to come from official organisations — such as the national postal service — were sent through encrypted messaging apps.

Today, TNG Digital is implementing TapSecure for Touch 'n Go eWallet Visa Card online transactions. It will be in effect on 17 March 2025 as a new one-tap approval function that will replace SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

Online fraud is getting more cunning and complex. For example, there are SMS messages saying that you are being investigated by PDRM, LHDN, JPJ, KWSP and MOF are circulating now with many victims. People need to be more intelligent in distinguishing fake SMS from those sent by fraudsters and this is not an easy thing. For this reason, the Singapore government will start sending an SMS using the GOV.SG identity only from July 1 to combat online fraud.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) has revealed that 410.59 million unsolicited Short Message Services (SMS) were blocked in the first 9 months of this year. Its Deputy Minister, Teo Nie Ching further revealed that 19 million SMS containing hyperlinks were blocked from 2 May until September 2023.

Facebook announced that SMS messages will no longer be available when you update your Messenger app. If you use Facebook Messenger as your default SMS messaging app on Android, this feature will no longer be available after the update on 28 September 2023.

There's been a recent spate of high-profile cases where the history of social media, Internet browsing or even chats have been used to expose the wrongdoings of certain individuals. While we'd be the first to recommend, if you don't want to get caught doing bad things, then DON'T DO BAD THINGS in the first place, but... your social media, internet browser, and chats can all contain a lot of personal information. 

If you're concerned about your privacy, or if you just want to start fresh, you can clean up your data by following these steps. Check out our guide on How to Clean your Social Media, Internet Browser and Chats below.