Scammers Changed 71 People's Addresses via ICA E-service

They also took over 16 Singpass accounts; checks being done if CDC vouchers affected

- Andrew Wong

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will continue to suspend parts of its electronic change of address (eCOA) function on its website until it is more secure.

The ICA had said on Jan 11 that scammers had used compromised Singpass accounts to circumvent several security safeguards in the system.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling gave this update in Parliament on Feb 4 when replying to questions from several MPs on the issue.

She said the authorities are checking on whether the distribution of government benefits, like CDC vouchers, was impacted by this criminal activity, and if it was, they will help those who are affected.

On Jan 11, ICA had said several unconnected cases of unauthorised change of address were reported in September 2020.

In 2020, ICA had introduced a feature on its website to make it convenient for members of the public to update the authorities on their new addresses, using Singpass, without visiting a police station.

To verify a new address, applicants key in a unique PIN sent by mail to their new address. Once confirmed, an instant acknowledgement will be sent to indicate the change of address is successful.

Those who are not tech-savvy or who are unable to submit applications through the online service can appoint proxies, such as a friend or family member who is a Singpass holder, to submit the applications on their behalf through the "Others" module on eCOA.