Police probe 249 suspected scammers, money mules linked to over $3.8m in losses

A total of 249 suspected scammers and money mules are being investigated for ruses resulting in more than $3.82 million in losses, following a two-week operation by police and the Commercial Affairs Department.

In a statement on Oct 24, the police said the group comprises 159 men and 90 women aged between 16 and 81, and is allegedly involved in more than 800 scams.

These mainly included e-commerce scams, friend impersonation scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams and rental scams.

The suspects are being investigated for cheating, money laundering or providing illegal payment services, following the Oct 10-23 operation. Those found guilty of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined. Those convicted of money laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act face a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Those found guilty of carrying on a business to provide any type of payment service in Singapore without a licence under Section 5 of the Payment Services Act can be fined up to $125,000, imprisoned for up to three years, or both.

The public should not allow others to use their bank account or mobile lines, as they would be held accountable if these accounts are linked to crimes, the police said.

Close to half a billion dollars were lost to scams in the first half of 2025, with almost 20,000 cases reported.

Losses totalled $456.4 million between January and June, according to mid-year scam statistics released by the police on Aug 30, down from $522.4 million a year earlier. About 1,000 victims lost more than $100,000 each, up from around 700 victims in the same period in 2024.

For more information on scams, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg