Nearly 7 in 10 Singaporeans use AI tools to navigate significant life events and experiences, yet fewer than 1 in 5 feel highly confident they can identify AI-generated scams and deepfakes, according to a new study. The findings point to what the research describes as a “confidence gap” that leaves Singaporeans vulnerable at moments when financial and personal stakes are highest.
The study, Digital Life and AI Experiences, was conducted by TrendLife, the consumer business unit of Trend Micro Incorporated, drawing on responses from more than 10,000 consumers across nine markets globally, including over 500 people in Singapore.
“AI is becoming more deeply embedded in the lives of individuals and families in Singapore, transforming how they live, work and play,” said Ashley Millar, Consumer Education Director, TrendLife.
“Our findings show that while many recognise the need to better protect themselves in an AI-driven digital world, they do not feel adequately prepared to do so.”
Singapore respondents consistently reported higher usage of AI tools compared to other countries surveyed across a range of everyday activities:
- AI tools are used by 56% of Singaporeans to assist with writing emails or documents, in contrast with the global average of 33%
- 49% use AI tools for travel planning, compared to the global average of 22%
- AI tools are used for online shopping by 40% of Singaporeans compared to the global average of 30%
Survey respondents ranked big-ticket purchases and investments — such as cars and real estate — alongside job searches and starting a business as the life events perceived to be the most vulnerable to scams, fraud, and identity theft.
More than half of Singapore respondents (55%) acknowledged that they share sensitive personal information — such as national registration identity card numbers, dates of birth, and phone numbers — online during significant life events.
AI tools are used for online shopping by 40% of Singaporeans compared to the global average of 30%.
Virtually all (98%) expressed concern, and 92% indicated awareness of the risks associated with sharing personal information with AI tools.
Singaporeans surveyed demonstrated relatively high basic online protection behaviors around significant life events and experiences, including:
- Enabling two-factor authentication (66% compared to the global average of 49%)
- Checking and accessing only secure URLs (57% in contrast to the global average of 40%)
- Monitoring their bank accounts for suspicious activities (53% against the global average of 44%)
Despite awareness, confidence in responding to AI-enabled threats remains low:
- Only 20% of respondents in Singapore indicated they were very or extremely confident that they could identify an AI-generated scam or deepfake
- 27% said they were very or extremely confident that they would know how to respond if they experienced identity theft
The study also points to consumers’ growing desire for stronger digital protection tools, particularly for families:
- 63% said they would use tools capable of alerting them if a family member was being targeted by cybercriminals
- 73% expressed willingness to adopt AI-powered tools designed to help children use AI more safely, positively, and productively
The study recommends that families create an anti-scam playbook, which includes pause-and-verify steps such as:
- A no-exception policy requiring a family secret phrase or code when there is an urgent request for money
- Having call-backs as a trusted verification route
- Carefully managing social profiles of family members to ensure sensitive information, photos, voice samples, and mannerisms are only visible to trusted followers
The research was conducted from March 25 to April 3, 2026, across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore. In Singapore, 526 consumers aged 18 and above were surveyed.
