The police emergency SMS sender ID will be changed from “71999” to “70999” starting 1 October 2024, as part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) efforts to standardise sender IDs used by different departments in the Home Team. This change aims to protect the public against scammers who impersonate Home Team officers and to make it easier to recognise and remember SMSes from the Home Team, according to a press release by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) on 27 September 2024.
Background
The police emergency SMS service, which started in 2016 as part of Singapore’s SGSecure movement, enables individuals who are deaf, mute, or have a speech impairment to contact the police. It also assists people who require police help in emergency situations where it is unsafe to have phone conversations. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), for instance, uses the SMS sender ID “70995” as part of its 995 emergency call service. The Home Team comprises seven departments, including the SPF and SCDF.
Standardisation of sender IDs
Since 1 July 2024, Singapore government agencies have been using a single SMS sender ID – gov.sg – for one-way communication with the public. This standardisation is part of a broader effort to enhance security and recognisability of official communications. The new police emergency SMS sender ID “70999” aligns with this initiative, making it easier for the public to identify legitimate messages from the Home Team.
Protection against scams
The change in the SMS sender ID is also a measure to protect the public from scammers who impersonate Home Team officers. By standardising the sender IDs, the MHA aims to reduce the risk of fraudulent messages and increase public trust in official communications. “Having a consistent and recognisable sender ID helps the public quickly identify genuine messages from the Home Team,” said an SPF spokesperson.
Usage of emergency SMS service
The police emergency SMS service is crucial for individuals who cannot make voice calls during emergencies. It provides an alternative means of communication for those who are deaf, mute, or have speech impairments. Additionally, it is useful in situations where making a phone call could be dangerous. The SPF advises the public to use this service responsibly and to be aware of the new sender ID starting from 1 October 2024.
Non-emergency communication
For non-emergency situations, the public is encouraged to send information via i-Witness or use the e-services available on the SPF website or the Police@SG app to lodge a police report. These platforms provide a secure and efficient way to communicate with the police without using the emergency SMS service.
Future implications
The standardisation of sender IDs is expected to improve the overall efficiency and security of communications between the public and the Home Team. As technology evolves, the MHA may continue to implement measures that enhance the safety and reliability of emergency services. The public is urged to stay informed about these changes and to follow official guidelines to ensure their safety and security.
