Singaporeans turn to AI for life events but scam confidence lags

Fewer than one in five Singaporeans feel highly confident spotting AI-generated scams and deepfakes.

Nearly seven in 10 Singaporeans use AI tools to navigate significant life events and experiences, but fewer than one in five feel highly confident identifying AI-generated scams and deepfakes, according to a TrendLife study.

The study found that Singaporeans use AI more actively than respondents in other surveyed markets. About 56% use AI tools to write emails or documents, compared with the global average of 33%.

Another 49% use AI for travel planning, more than double the global average of 22%, whilst 40% use AI for online shopping, compared with 30% globally.

However, the same life events are also seen as periods of heightened vulnerability to scams, fraud, and identity theft. Respondents ranked big-ticket purchases and investments, such as cars and real estate, as well as job searches and starting a business, as amongst the most vulnerable moments.

About 55% of Singapore respondents said they share sensitive personal information online during significant life events, including NRIC numbers, dates of birth, and phone numbers.

Awareness of digital risks is high, with 98% expressing concern about exchanging personal data online and 92% saying they understand the risks of sharing personal information with AI tools.

Singaporeans also reported stronger basic online protection habits than the global average. Around 66% use two-factor authentication, 57% check and access only secure URLs, and 53% monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity.

Despite this, only 20% said they were very or extremely confident in identifying an AI-generated scam or deepfake. Only 27% said they were very or extremely confident that they would know how to respond if they experienced identity theft.

The study also found demand for stronger digital protection tools. About 63% said they would use tools that alert them if a family member is being targeted by cybercriminals, whilst 73% said they would adopt AI-powered tools to help children use AI more safely.

The study surveyed 10,350 consumers across nine markets from 25 March to 3 April, including 526 consumers aged 18 and above in Singapore.