Singaporeans use AI widely but lack confidence spotting scams, TrendLife study finds

By AI, Created 6:06 AM UTC, May 29, 2026, /AGP/ – A TrendLife survey finds Singaporeans are leading surveyed markets in using AI for everyday tasks and major life events, even as most feel unprepared to identify AI scams and deepfakes. The gap raises fresh concerns as AI-enabled fraud targets moments with the highest financial and personal stakes.

Why it matters: - Singaporeans are using AI in moments tied to money, work and family decisions, which increases exposure if fraudsters exploit those same touchpoints. - The study shows a readiness gap: high AI use and awareness of risk, but low confidence in spotting AI-driven scams and deepfakes. - That mismatch matters most during high-stakes life events such as buying property, investing, job hunting and starting a business.

What happened: - TrendLife released its “Digital Life and AI Experiences” study on May 29, 2026. - The survey covered 10,350 consumers across nine markets, including 526 adults in Singapore. - Nearly 7 in 10 Singapore respondents said they use AI tools to navigate significant life events and experiences. - Fewer than 1 in 5 respondents in Singapore said they were very or extremely confident they could identify an AI-generated scam or deepfake.

The details: - Singapore respondents used AI tools more than the global average for several daily tasks. - 56% used AI to help write emails or documents, compared with 33% globally. - 49% used AI for travel planning, compared with 22% globally. - 40% used AI for online shopping, compared with 30% globally. - Respondents ranked big-ticket purchases and investments, including cars and real estate, as well as job searches and starting a business, among the life events most vulnerable to scams, fraud and identity theft. - 55% said they share sensitive personal information such as national registration identity card numbers, dates of birth and phone numbers online during significant life events. - 98% said they were concerned about sharing personal data online. - 92% said they were aware of or understood the risks of sharing personal information with AI tools. - 66% enabled two-factor authentication, above the 49% global average. - 57% checked and accessed only secure URLs, above the 40% global average. - 53% monitored bank accounts for suspicious activity, above the 44% global average. - Only 27% said they were very or extremely confident they would know how to respond if they experienced identity theft. - 63% said they would use tools that could alert them if a family member was being targeted by cybercriminals. - 73% said they would adopt AI-powered tools designed to help children use AI more safely, positively and productively.

Between the lines: - The findings suggest Singapore consumers are not ignoring cyber risk; they are trying to manage it while adopting AI for convenience and productivity. - The problem is less awareness than execution under pressure, especially when scams mimic trusted voices, urgent requests or familiar life milestones. - TrendLife is positioning family-focused protection and verification habits as a practical counter to AI-enabled fraud. - Ashley Millar, Consumer Education Director at TrendLife, said safety must be built into every AI interaction as the company continues to develop cybersecurity tools for evolving digital risks.

What’s next: - TrendLife is urging families to build an anti-scam playbook with pause-and-verify steps. - Recommended steps include using a family secret phrase for urgent money requests, calling back through a trusted number and limiting public access to sensitive photos, voice samples and personal details. - The company directs readers to learn more about the study.

The bottom line: - Singapore is embracing AI faster than it is building confidence to defend against AI-powered fraud.