Singapore: Health Sciences Authority issues alert on fake HSA Instagram accounts

In brief

On 14 September 2022, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued an alert on fake HSA accounts on Instagram that bear the HSA name, display photos and logos. The HSA clarified that it does not have an Instagram account and advises the public not to interact or respond to these fake accounts.

Key takeaways

The HSA conducts constant monitoring and surveillance on internet platforms and adopts a serious stance against potential scams. In this case, the HSA has had the accounts removed from Instagram and has lodged a police report.

In more detail

The HSA identified 2 accounts on Instagram that utilised the HSA name and logos.

The first fake account with the username “hsa_sg” had asked users to tag it in posts containing good health product recommendations, as well as in photos of teenagers smoking. The HSA made clear that it did not, and would not make such requests.

The second fake account is a private account that bears the username “hsa.gov.sg”. No posts were published under this account.

These two accounts have been removed from Instagram and the HSA has lodged a police report. This shows that the HSA takes a proactive stance in its online surveillance, even on social media platforms such as Instagram.