SINGAPORE – In an explosive move against rampant scams, authorities have arrested 25 individuals and are investigating another 65 after a robust anti-scam operation that took place across Singapore from mid-February to early March. This coordinated effort, involving both police and local banks, led to the seizure of approximately $1.9 million believed to be linked to fraudulent activities.

The intense operation focused on scams involving impersonation of government officials, as well as notorious investment and job scams. According to a press statement from the police on March 22, the operation included freezing over 300 bank accounts connected to illicit money transfers.

Raids were executed throughout the island, targeting individuals suspected of allowing scammers to misuse their bank accounts for money laundering purposes. Among those arrested were five women and 20 men, aged between 18 and 40, reflecting the broad spectrum of offenders involved in these deceptive enterprises.

Furthermore, the police collaborated with various stakeholders, including social media and telecommunications companies, to disrupt a staggering 1,300 online enablers. In addition, over 1,700 fraudulent phone lines associated with scam activities were terminated, significantly crippling the networks of con artists.

The urgency of this crackdown comes in light of startling statistics: in 2024 alone, scam losses in Singapore soared to a record-breaking $1.1 billion, with more than half attributed to scams involving impersonation of government officials, along with investment and job scams. Victims were often contacted via fraudulently obtained phone lines and digital platforms, tricked into transferring their hard-earned money to accounts controlled by criminals.

To protect themselves from becoming unwitting accomplices to these scams, the police advise the public to safeguard their personal information. They strongly recommend refusing requests to share Singpass credentials, bank account details, or mobile lines. Caution is also urged when making investment decisions; legitimate investment firms do not solicit money transfers to personal accounts or utilize group chats for selling investment products.

If you want to stay safe and avoid falling prey to these cunning scams, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799 for valuable information and resources! Don’t let the scammers win—educate yourself today!