Members of the public have raised privacy concerns over being able to access individuals' NRIC numbers on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra) portal.
Individuals were able to access the IC numbers of those connected to a Singapore-registered business through a search, without paying, via the newly launched website.
In the past, details such as IC numbers and listed business addresses could be obtained via Acra in a PDF file, for a fee.
The concerns were raised by readers spooked by recent scams, including what happened to a holidaying couple whose bank accounts were blocked, and credit cards cancelled, by identity thieves.
On Dec 11, The Straits Times was alerted to the search feature on the Bizfile portal for business regulations and filings. The portal was launched on Dec 9.
"I found my IC number on Bizfile," said housewife Gina Tan, who checked the portal after a scammer posing as an Interpol officer called her mother and read out her address and IC number.
Believing that the scammers were legitimate because they had her details, her mother almost sent them her own bank details, but was stopped in time by Mrs Tan.
Mrs Tan also found the names and IC numbers of her friends.
Salesman Timothy Chan, 48, who accesses Acra filings regularly in the course of his work, noticed that many people's IC numbers were openly available on Dec 11.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Megan Thee Stallion seeks restraining order against fellow rapper Tory Lanez
American rapper and pop star Megan Thee Stallion (far right) has asked a court in Los Angeles to issue a restraining order against Canadian rapper Tory Lanez (right), who is in prison serving a 10-year sentence for shooting her in 2020.
South Korean conservatives attempt to report K-pop star IU to the CIA
South Korean netizens with politically conservative inclinations are encouraging one another to file online reports to the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) against K-pop star IU (right) and other celebrities who publicly supported protests calling for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.
Malaysian influencer Ady Hu detained by Taiwanese police for alleged fraud
Malaysian influencer Hu Chang Mun, 31, known as Ady Hu, who was reported missing, has been located in Taiwan and detained over allegations of involvement in a fraud operation.
Amy Yip invests in durian-themed hotel, with Jack Neo as creative director
Former screen siren Amy Yip may have retired from the entertainment industry for some 30 years, but the Hong Kong star is making inroads into the hospitality scene.
Getting hands-on to create their dream home
From laying tiles to custom-designing furniture, Ruby Chong and Kenny Ren immersed themselves in every renovation detail
Actress-singer Selena Gomez's engagement ring has people talking
Some brides-to-be openly discuss their dream engagement rings, creating mood boards, getting fittings and going shopping before the proposal.
Charm Offensive On Your Handbag
Bag charms have begun to rival holiday ornaments in their variety and as a form of self-expression
'Pop girlies' of 2024 style
Taylor Swift, Charli XCX and more made waves not just with their music, but also their distinct aesthetics
Malaysia put aside off-pitch issues, eye semis
For a couple of years, Malaysian football looked set for a renaissance.
LIONS 'HUNGRY' FOR A WIN, NOT JUST A DRAW
Shakir says team have learnt from 2022 C'ship loss to M'sia, when they played for a point