COVID-19: Messages and calls to verify SHN locations are legitimate, says ICA
SINGAPORE — The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has given out pointers on how those serving stay-home notices (SHNs) can verify the authenticity of messages to report their location.
In a post on its Facebook page on Tuesday (7 April), ICA said that it has received queries on the legitimacy of text messages and audio/video calls received by those under SHN. Such queries come at a time when scams related to the COVID-19 situation have surfaced in Singapore.
ICA has clarified that such messages are legitimate. An individual on SHN may receive:
An SMS alert to report on his location. The SMS would provide a link with the prefix “ica.id.gov.sg”, followed by a randomly-generated code. Upon clicking on the link, the individual will be brought to a webpage to report on his location.
An audio call and a video call via WhatsApp from ICA requesting to see the individual’s immediate surroundings to verify his location. The individual will be asked to provide the last four digits of his Identity Card/travel document to verify their identity.
Those who wish to verify the calls can call the SHN helpline at 68125555.
ICA said that it will not ask for an individual’s financial information, nor request for any payment over the phone.
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