Scams in Singapore keep evolving, from fake bank messages to fake job offers. Anyone can be targeted, whether you are a student, a working adult or a retiree. This guide explains the most common tricks, the warning signs to look out for, and how to use ScamShield and other official tools to avoid scams in Singapore.
Common Scams in Singapore
- Government official impersonation: callers claim to be from the police, a government agency or a bank and pressure you to transfer money or share banking details. Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.
- Phishing messages: SMSes, emails or social media ads that look like they come from a bank, delivery company or e-commerce platform and lead to fake websites.
- E-commerce scams: sellers who ask for advance payment or push you to pay outside the platform, then disappear.
- Job scams: offers of easy money for simple online tasks, often through WhatsApp or Telegram, which later ask you to pay upfront or make deposits.
- Investment scams: promises of high or guaranteed returns, often involving crypto or fake trading platforms.
- Social media impersonation: accounts that pretend to be your friend or a brand and ask for money or personal details.
- Malicious apps: fake listings that ask you to install an app from a link, which can then steal your information.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- You are pressured to act urgently or told to keep the matter secret.
- Someone asks for your OTP, passwords, SingPass details or card numbers.
- You are asked to pay into a personal account or by an unusual method.
- The offer sounds too good to be true, such as very high returns or very cheap prices.
- You receive a link in an unexpected message, or you are told to install an app from outside the official app stores.
- A stranger moves the conversation to WhatsApp or Telegram quickly.
Add, Check, Tell: The ACT Approach
The Singapore Police Force promotes a simple three-step approach to fight scams:
- Add: install the ScamShield app, turn on two-factor authentication and set transaction limits on your banking apps.
- Check: verify anything suspicious with official sources such as the ScamShield website, app or helpline before you act.
- Tell: inform the authorities, your family and your friends about scams so others do not fall for them.
Use the ScamShield Suite
ScamShield is a set of anti-scam tools built by the Singapore Police Force, the National Crime Prevention Council and Open Government Products. It includes:
- ScamShield helpline (1799): a 24/7 helpline you can call to check whether something is a scam. If you are overseas, call +65 6869 1799. It replaced the older anti-scam helpline number 1800-722-6688.
- ScamShield app: available for iPhone and Android, it helps block scam calls, filter suspicious SMSes and report scams.
- ScamShield website: visit scamshield.gov.sg for the latest scam information and tips.
- Alert channels: ScamShield alerts are available on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Note that the helpline cannot make a police report for you. File reports through the Police e-services, call the Police hotline at 1800-255-0000, or dial 999 in an emergency. You can read more on the Singapore Police Force website.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
- Stop all contact with the scammer and do not send any more money, even for a so-called fee to recover your funds.
- Call your bank immediately to report unauthorised transactions and ask about freezing your account or cards. The ScamShield helpline can also direct you to your bank.
- Make a police report as soon as possible.
- Keep evidence such as screenshots, phone numbers, account details and transaction records.
- Secure your accounts by changing passwords and reviewing your SingPass and banking settings.
- Tell someone you trust. Scams can happen to anyone, and speaking up helps you recover faster.
Everyday Habits That Keep You Safe
- Do not click links in unexpected messages. Open your bank or delivery app directly instead.
- Install apps only from the official app stores.
- Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Be careful with job offers that pay for simple tasks. Our guide to side hustle ideas in Singapore covers legitimate ways to earn extra income.
- Protect your hard-earned savings by reviewing your accounts regularly. See how one reader built the habit in how I saved $500 a month in Singapore.
- Share these tips with elderly relatives, who are often targeted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ScamShield app free?
Yes, the app is free to download for iPhone and Android.
What is the ScamShield helpline number?
The helpline is 1799 and it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From overseas, call +65 6869 1799.
Will a government agency ever ask me to transfer money over the phone?
No. Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or share your bank log-in details over a phone call.
Can the ScamShield helpline file a police report for me?
No. You need to file a police report through the Police e-services or the Police hotline.
This guide is for general information. Always verify details and report scams through official channels.