Online Scams & Fraud in Singapore
Online Scams have been increasing for several years in Singapore. The total number of scam cases increased by 32.6% to 31,728 in 2022, from 23,933 cases in 2021. The total amount reported to have been cheated from all scams increased by 4.5% to $660.7 million in 2022, from $632.0 million in 2021.
Police said at least 90% of scams in Singapore originate from overseas, and described the scammers as syndicated, well resourced and technologically sophisticated. They said these cases are difficult to investigate and prosecute as efforts depend on the level of cooperation from overseas law enforcement agencies.
Continue reading to learn about key scam trends in Singapore, how to report fraud, and how to get help for scams in Singapore.
Scam Statistics in Singapore
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Population | 5.7 million | 5.69 million | 5.45 million |
| Internet Penetration | 87.04% | 88.52% | 89.73% |
| # of Scams | 9,502 | 12,733 | 21,181 |
| Scams / 1,000 | 1.66 | 2.2 | 3.8 |
| Money Lost | €103.9 million | € 127 million | $ 633.3 million |
| Money Lost / Capita | € 18.23 | € 12.08 | $ 82.99 |
| Money Lost / Report | € 10,935 | € 9,974 | $ 18,911 |
Sources:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/378558/total-population-of-singapore/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/975069/internet-penetration-rate-in-singapore/
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/victims-lost-6333-million-to-scams-in-2021
Where Can I Report a Scam in Singapore?
If you have fallen victim to a scam or have received a suspicious message or call, it's essential to report it as soon as possible to the appropriate authorities.
- Singapore Police Force Anti-Scam Centre: To counter the trend of growing online scams, Singapore Police Force Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) was set up in 2019. The ASC is the "nerve center" for investigating scam-related crimes and its focus is to disrupt scammers’ operations and help mitigate victims’ losses. Its four core activities are Enforcement, Engagement, Engineering and Education. ASC works closely together with more than 20 stakeholders comprising banks, fintech companies, telecommunication companies and online marketplaces in its fight against scams.
Members of the public can visit www.scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. - The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC): The NCPC works closely together with the ASC to combat fraud. The NCPC, a non-profit organization, is committed to promoting public awareness about crime and to propagate the concept of self-help in crime prevention. The Council comprises representatives from the commercial and industrial sectors, as well as from the public sector and the Singapore Police Force (SPF). They can be contacted on the Anti-Scam Hotline: 1800-722-6688 and the 'X Ah Long' Hotline: 1800-924-5664
NCPC has launched several initiatives to combat scams. ScamAlert.sg offers scam information and has had more than 500,000 visitors in 2020. In 2020, NCPC also launched ScamShield, an iPhone app developed in collaboration with Open Government Products to block scam calls and text messages.
How to Report a Scam in Singapore
- Immediately notify your bank and lodge a police report online via www.police.gov.sg, or at any neighbourhood police centre. You can also call the anti-scam hotline 1800-722-6688.
- Officers will ask for more details to better identify the type of scam encountered and lodge the report accordingly.
- Victims may be asked how they became acquainted with the scammers, and for transaction details such as amounts transferred, date and time of the transactions, beneficiary accounts and how the transaction was made.
- An investigation officer will be assigned to the case and the Anti-Scam Centre will be notified immediately.
- The centre will work with stakeholders like banks to trace and attempt to recover funds for victims.
- This often involves the police asking the bank to freeze the relevant accounts.
- The banks will also try to furnish other details to the police.
- Victims will be updated when there are significant developments regarding their case.
Scam Victim Support in Singapore
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) also offers a victim support line (1800-722-6688) which handled more than 7,000 calls last year. Apart from lodging reports with the Singapore Police Force, victims are also advised to share their experience on ScamAlert as a form of community effort to combat fraud.
How to Check for a Scam in Singapore
Of course you can always check for a scam on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling or other regulated services as well.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is the central bank and financial regulatory authority of Singapore. It administers the various statutes pertaining to money, banking, insurance, securities and the financial sector in general, as well as currency issuance. Members of the public can send the MAS their questions or feedback and report problems with their financial institution through the Monetary Authority of Singapore's website.
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