Complete Anti-Scam Guide for Singapore: Every Step from Identifying Scams to Recovering Your Money

1. The State of Online Scams in Singapore (2026)

Singapore is Southeast Asia's most advanced financial hub — and a prime target for online scams. According to the latest data from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Anti-Scam Centre (ASC), total scam cases in 2025 exceeded 46,000, with losses reaching a record S$660 million. Despite the government's push for ScamShield and ongoing crackdowns, new scam tactics continue to evolve.

Eight Most Common Scam Types

1. Carousell/Shopee Shopping Scams

E-commerce fraud is the most reported scam type in Singapore. Scammers post underpriced items (electronics, concert tickets, branded bags) on Carousell, Shopee, and Lazada, then either never ship or send counterfeits. Common tactics include: requesting direct PayNow/PayLah transfers to bypass platform protection, faking tracking numbers, and using hijacked accounts to sell bogus products. Rental scams on Carousell — fake listings that collect "deposits" and vanish — are also rampant.

2. Job Scams

Job scams are among the fastest-growing scam types in Singapore, with annual losses exceeding S$135 million. Scammers send "high-pay part-time" job offers via Telegram and WhatsApp, luring victims into "commission tasks" that require upfront payments. The typical pattern: pay small commissions first to build trust, then demand increasingly larger "investments," and ultimately refuse withdrawals citing "more tasks to complete." Variants include fake offers from supposed multinational HR departments via LinkedIn.

3. Romance Scams (Pig Butchering)

Scammers cultivate emotional relationships on dating apps (CMB, Bumble, Tinder) or social media, then after weeks or months start requesting transfers for emergencies — medical bills, family crises, "investment opportunities." Average losses per victim exceed S$20,000, and an increasing number of romance scams now merge with investment fraud in the "pig butchering" model: build a romantic relationship first, then steer victims toward fake trading platforms.

4. Investment Scams

Investment scams cause the highest total losses in Singapore, averaging over S$204 million per year. Scammers use social media ads, Telegram groups, and fake trading platforms to lure victims with promises of high returns. Variants include crypto investment scams, forex trading fraud, fake stock tip groups, and impersonation of reputable investment firms. Small withdrawals are allowed initially to build trust; once larger sums are deposited, withdrawals are blocked under various pretexts.

5. Phishing SMS/Email

Scammers send messages impersonating banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB), government agencies (IRAS, SingPass, CPF Board), or courier companies (SingPost, Ninja Van), tricking victims into clicking fake links and entering personal or banking credentials. The 2025 OCBC phishing SMS incident affected over 800 customers with losses of S$13.8 million, prompting MAS to tighten SMS security regulations. A common technique is Sender ID Spoofing, making texts appear to come from official numbers.

6. Government Impersonation Scams

Scammers impersonate IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority), MOH (Ministry of Health), MOM (Ministry of Manpower), SPF officers, or court officials, claiming victims are involved in tax evasion, money laundering, pandemic regulation breaches, or work permit issues, and demanding transfers for "fines" or "bail." Real government agencies never request transfers over the phone. Scams impersonating the Chinese Embassy or Chinese Public Security Bureau are also prevalent in the Chinese community.

7. Cryptocurrency Scams

Beyond crypto-related investment fraud, Singapore has seen scams specifically targeting cryptocurrency users: fake exchanges, phishing DApps, fake airdrops, address poisoning, and authorization phishing through fake DeFi platforms. Scammers exploit Singapore's status as Asia's crypto hub by creating seemingly legitimate local crypto services.

8. Tech Support Scams

Scammers use pop-up ads or phone calls claiming your computer has a virus or your account has been compromised, then ask you to install remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Once they gain control, they directly operate your online banking to transfer funds. A recent variant involves fake Singpass App pages to steal login credentials.

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2. How to Use ScamLens to Check If You're Being Scammed

Before taking any action, first confirm whether you're actually dealing with a scam. ScamLens is a free AI-powered security detection platform that helps you make a quick assessment.

Step 1: Visit ScamLens

Open your browser and go to scamlens.org (English) or scamlens.org/zh/ (Chinese).

Step 2: Enter Suspicious Information

Type the suspicious website domain into the search box — for example, sg-dbs-alert.com. ScamLens will complete its analysis within seconds.

Step 3: Review the Results

ScamLens generates a detailed security report for the website, including:

• Trust Score (0–100): A comprehensive safety rating
• Threat Intelligence Matching: Cross-references 90+ global threat intelligence sources to check if the site is flagged
• AI Risk Analysis: Intelligently evaluates the site's registration date, server location, SSL certificate, content patterns, and more
• Community Feedback: See whether other users have already reported the website

Step 4: Get Recommendations

If the trust score is below 40, ScamLens will display a clear risk warning with recommended actions. You can also use the AI Anti-Scam Chatbot on the page to describe your situation in English or Chinese and receive personalized advice.

Cryptocurrency Checks

For crypto-related concerns, ScamLens also supports direct wallet address lookups covering Ethereum, Bitcoin, Tron, Solana, and 18 other major blockchains, helping you determine whether the counterparty's wallet is linked to known scam activity.

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3. Search and Report on ScamLens

Search Existing Records

1. Enter the suspicious domain in the search box at scamlens.org
2. View the detailed report page with threat intelligence, community reviews, and historical reports
3. The report page displays other users' reports and voting results

Submit a Report

1. Click the "Report" button on the report page
2. Select the scam type (investment fraud, phishing, malware, etc.)
3. Describe your experience — the more detail the better, including scam methods, contact information, and amount lost
4. Once submitted, your report immediately helps other users avoid the same scam

Why Report on ScamLens?

• Global sharing: Your report instantly helps users worldwide identify the scam site
• AI learning: Report data helps AI models more accurately detect similar scam patterns
• Evidence preservation: The platform automatically saves website snapshots — even if the scam site is taken down, the evidence remains
• Complements official reporting: ScamLens responds faster and supplements reports to ScamShield and SPF

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4. Evidence Collection Checklist

Before contacting the police or your bank, make sure you collect evidence first. The more complete the evidence, the higher the chances of recovering your funds.

Evidence You Must Preserve

Evidence Type	Specific Items	How to Save
Communication records	All texts, WhatsApp/Telegram chats, and emails with the scammer	Screenshots + export backups
PayNow/PayLah records	Transfer screenshots, payee UEN/mobile number, transaction reference	Screenshots + PDF download
Bank transfer receipts	Transfer records, FAST transfer confirmations, recipient account details	Screenshots + bank statements
Cryptocurrency records	Transaction hashes (TX Hash), wallet addresses, exchange withdrawal records	Screenshots + blockchain explorer links
Singpass-related	If Singpass credentials were compromised, record accessed services and times	Screenshot Singpass activity log
Website screenshots	Scam site homepage, registration page, investment page, withdrawal denial page	Full webpage screenshots (with URL bar)
Counterparty info	Phone numbers, email addresses, social media accounts, domains, Carousell usernames	Record each item individually
Timeline	Complete timeline from first contact to discovery of the scam	Document in writing
Ad screenshots	Social media ads or search results that led you to the scam	Save screenshots

Evidence Collection Tips

• Act immediately: Scammers typically delete sites and accounts quickly — the sooner you save, the better
• Use ScamLens snapshot feature: ScamLens automatically saves scam site snapshots that serve as evidence even after the original site goes offline
• Include the full URL in screenshots: Legal proceedings require proof of the screenshot's source
• Do not delete any communications: Even if the content is distressing, preserve the original records
• Record loss amounts: Be precise about every transfer — amount, date, and recipient
• Singpass security: If your Singpass credentials may have been compromised, immediately check "Activity" in the Singpass App and take screenshots

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5. Reporting Channels (Singapore)

Singapore has multiple official anti-scam channels. Choose the appropriate one based on your situation. It is recommended to report through multiple channels simultaneously to maximize recovery chances.

1. Police Report — Singapore Police Force (SPF)

Emergency: 999
Non-emergency hotline: 1800-255-0000

Have all evidence and a timeline ready before calling. For non-urgent cases, use the online channels below.

2. Online Report (Police.gov.sg/iwitness)

URL: police.gov.sg/iwitness

Steps:

1. Visit police.gov.sg/iwitness
2. Log in with Singpass
3. Select "Report a case"
4. Choose the scam type and describe the incident in detail
5. Upload evidence files (screenshots, transfer records, etc.)
6. After submission, you'll receive a Police Report Number — keep it safe

Important: The Police Report Number is required when contacting your bank to initiate fund recovery.

3. ScamShield App

Download: Search "ScamShield" on iOS App Store / Google Play Store

ScamShield is Singapore's official government anti-scam app with these features:

• Automatic scam SMS filtering: Uses AI to identify and filter scam texts
• Automatic scam call blocking: Identifies and blocks known scam numbers
• One-tap reporting: Report suspicious texts and calls directly to SPF
• Scam alerts: Stay updated on the latest scam tactics

Recommendation: All Singapore residents should install ScamShield as baseline protection.

4. Anti-Scam Centre (ASC)

The ASC, under SPF, is Singapore's core anti-scam body working closely with banks and tech companies. After you file a report, ASC will:

• Swiftly freeze scam-linked bank accounts
• Coordinate with banks to recover funds
• Collaborate with overseas law enforcement for cross-border operations

Since its inception, ASC has successfully frozen and recovered over S$340 million in scam proceeds.

5. Scam Alert (scamalert.sg)

URL: scamalert.sg

Operated by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), this official anti-scam education website offers:

• Latest scam tactics and alerts
• Search known scam numbers and websites
• Anti-scam educational resources
• Anti-Scam Helpline: 1800-722-6688 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

6. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

URL: mas.gov.sg

MAS is Singapore's central bank and financial regulator.

Steps:

1. Visit mas.gov.sg
2. Search the "Investor Alert List" for suspicious investment platforms
3. If unauthorized financial services are involved, file a report
4. MAS will investigate and update the Investor Alert List

Use for: Investment scams, unauthorized financial products, fake insurance, illegal lending platforms. Check the MAS Financial Institutions Directory first to verify whether a firm is properly licensed.

7. Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)

URL: imda.gov.sg

Report:

• Scam and spam SMS
• Sender ID Spoofing
• Rogue telecom services

IMDA's SMS Sender ID Registry (SSIR), launched in 2023, requires all legitimate organizations to register their SMS Sender IDs. Unregistered messages display a "Likely-SCAM" label.

8. Cyber Security Agency (CSA) / SingCERT

URL: csa.gov.sg
SingCERT reports: singcert.org.sg

Use for:

• Phishing website reports
• Malware and ransomware incidents
• Website compromises
• Other cybersecurity incidents

Steps:

1. Visit the SingCERT website
2. Submit a cybersecurity incident report
3. The CSA team will assess the incident and take action (e.g., coordinate phishing site takedowns)

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6. Getting Scam Websites Taken Down

Taking scam websites offline as quickly as possible prevents more victims. Here are the specific steps.

1. Look Up Website Registration Info (WHOIS)

Visit whois.domaintools.com or who.is, enter the scam domain, and find:

• Registrar: e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Alibaba Cloud
• Registrar Abuse Contact Email: the complaint email address

2. Complain to the Domain Registrar

Send a complaint email to the registrar's abuse address including:

• The scam domain
• Description of the scam type
• Your collected evidence (screenshots, ScamLens report link)
• Request to suspend the domain

Common registrar abuse emails:

• GoDaddy: [email protected]
• Namecheap: [email protected]
• Cloudflare: [email protected]

3. .sg Domain Complaints (SGNIC)

If the scam site uses .sg, .com.sg, .net.sg, or other Singapore domains, you can complain directly to SGNIC (Singapore Network Information Centre):

• URL: sgnic.sg
• Submit a domain dispute complaint; SGNIC will handle it under the Singapore Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (SDRP)
• SGNIC has the authority to suspend or cancel offending domains
• You can also use the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC) for domain dispute arbitration

4. Report to Google

• Safe Browsing report: safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish
• Google Search removal: If the scam site appears in Google search results, you can request removal
• Once reported successfully, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari users visiting the site will see a red warning page

5. Report to Social Platforms

Many scams spread through social media. Prompt reporting can break the chain:

• Facebook/Instagram: Use the "Report" function, select "Scam or fraud"
• Telegram: Long-press a message and select "Report," or email [email protected]
• Carousell: Use the in-app "Report this listing" function
• WhatsApp: Select "Report contact" in the chat

6. Report Phishing Sites to CSA/SingCERT

SingCERT can coordinate with ISPs and hosting providers to take down phishing sites — one of the most effective local takedown channels in Singapore.

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7. Fund Recovery

Fund recovery requires swift action — time is the most critical factor.

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately

Golden window: Within 24 hours of discovering the scam

Call your bank's fraud hotline (24/7):

Bank	Fraud Hotline
DBS/POSB	1800-339-6963 (Overseas: +65-6339-6963)
OCBC	1800-363-3333 (Overseas: +65-6363-3333)
UOB	1800-222-2121 (Overseas: +65-6222-2121)
Standard Chartered	1800-747-7000
HSBC	1800-472-2669
Citibank	1800-225-5225
Maybank	1800-629-2265

Steps:

1. Clearly state it's a fraudulent transaction and request an immediate freeze
2. If the transfer was via PayNow, provide the recipient's mobile number or UEN
3. Request the bank to initiate a recovery process
4. Obtain a case reference number
5. Request written confirmation from the bank

2. PayNow Dispute Handling

PayNow transfers are typically instant and irreversible, but recovery may still be possible in these situations:

• Contact your bank immediately after discovery: The bank can try to reach the receiving bank to freeze the funds
• File a police report: A Police Report Number is a prerequisite for banks to initiate formal recovery
• ASC intervention: The Anti-Scam Centre can directly instruct banks to freeze scam accounts

Important: Even if the funds have already been transferred, file a report — ASC has successfully recovered funds in many cases.

3. Credit Card Chargeback

If you paid by credit card:

1. Contact your issuing bank to request a chargeback (payment dispute)
2. Provide scam evidence and your Police Report Number
3. Chargeback rights are typically valid within 120 days of the transaction
4. Both Visa and Mastercard have consumer protection policies
5. Singapore banks generally process chargeback requests within 45 business days

4. Cryptocurrency Tracing

Cryptocurrency transfers cannot be directly reversed once confirmed, but tracing and recovery remain possible:

1. Use ScamLens Crypto Tracing: Enter the scammer's wallet address at scamlens.org/en/check-crypto to trace the flow of funds
2. ScamLens Fund Tracing Report: Professional-grade blockchain forensic analysis tracing funds through every address and identifying whether they reached known exchanges
3. If funds flowed into regulated exchanges (e.g., Coinbase, Binance Singapore), immediately contact that exchange's compliance department to request a freeze
4. File a police report with SPF and provide blockchain tracing evidence
5. Preserve all transaction hashes and blockchain records as evidence

5. FIDReC (Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre)

URL: fidrec.com.sg
Phone: 6327 8878

If your bank refuses a refund or you're unsatisfied with the outcome:

1. Ensure you've first filed a formal complaint with your bank and waited for a response (typically 4–8 weeks)
2. Visit fidrec.com.sg to submit a complaint
3. FIDReC's service is free for consumers (disputes up to S$100,000)
4. FIDReC will conduct independent mediation
5. If mediation fails, you can apply for arbitration — the ruling is binding on the financial institution

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8. Recovery Scam Warning

This is the most overlooked yet extremely dangerous form of secondary scam.

After being scammed, you may encounter messages like these on social media, search engines, or email:

• "We're a professional fund recovery firm — guaranteed to get your money back"
• "Licensed Singapore recovery lawyer with a 98% success rate"
• "Blockchain tracing experts who can freeze the scammer's crypto wallet"
• "Just pay a small service fee upfront — full refund if unsuccessful"

These Are Almost Always Recovery Scams!

Typical pattern:

1. Scammers purchase victim lists from the dark web (your social media pleas for help may be monitored)
2. They pose as law firms, government agencies, or blockchain companies
3. They claim to have located your funds and need a "processing fee," "tax," or "unfreezing fee"
4. After payment, they disappear — or keep inventing reasons to ask for more

How to Spot Recovery Scams

• They contact you first: Legitimate organizations do not proactively approach scam victims to sell recovery services
• Upfront fees required: Legitimate lawyers typically charge hourly, not large upfront payments for "unfreezing"
• Guaranteed recovery: Nobody can guarantee 100% fund recovery
• Payment in crypto or gift cards: This is itself a scam signal
• High-pressure tactics: e.g., "Pay today or your funds will be moved offshore"

Safe Practices

• Only pursue recovery through official channels (SPF/ASC, your bank, FIDReC)
• If you need legal help, find a licensed lawyer through The Law Society of Singapore (lawsociety.org.sg)
• Use ScamLens to check any website that claims to recover your funds
• Remember: Recovering scammed funds should never require you to pay more money

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9. Prevention Tips + ScamLens Dual Protection

Seven Daily Prevention Principles

1. Verify Before You Act

When you receive any request to transfer money, share personal information, or install software, independently verify the sender's identity first. Do not use contact details provided by the requester — look up the official website or known official phone number yourself. Got a bank text? Don't click the link — open your bank app directly or call the official hotline.

2. ScamShield + ScamLens Dual Protection

• Install ScamShield App: Automatically filters scam SMS and calls for passive protection
• Install OrangeDuck Browser Extension: Automatically alerts you when visiting suspicious websites for active protection
• Build the habit: Before any transfer, check the provided website link at scamlens.org

ScamShield protects the SMS and phone channel; ScamLens protects the web channel — together they cover virtually every scam vector.

3. Beware of "Too Good" Opportunities

High-return, zero-risk investments; Carousell items far below market price; unexpected bonuses or tax refunds — if it seems too good to be true, it probably isn't.

4. Protect Your Personal Information

• Never tell a stranger your NRIC number, Singpass password, or bank OTP over the phone
• Use different strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Regularly check your Singpass activity log and bank transaction records
• Never share your Singpass QR code or Face Verification screenshot with anyone

5. Use ScamLens to Check Suspicious Links

Make it a habit: before clicking any suspicious link, entering personal information, or making a transfer, check the target website at scamlens.org. A few seconds of checking could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

6. Don't Be Manipulated by Urgency

Scammers' most powerful weapon is creating urgency — "Act now or your account will be frozen," "Limited-time investment opportunity ending soon," "Your package will be returned." Legitimate organizations never use fear to force immediate decisions.

7. Talk and Share

Discuss suspicious situations with family and friends, and look out especially for vulnerable groups (the elderly, new immigrants, foreign workers). Many scams can be stopped when someone simply says, "That sounds suspicious."

Special Alerts for High-Risk Scenarios

• Carousell/Shopee transactions: Always use the platform's built-in payment protection; don't PayNow strangers
• Telegram/WhatsApp groups: Don't trust "investment gurus" or "insider tips" in group chats
• Dating apps: Before anyone asks for money, verify their photos with a reverse image search
• Job offers: Real employers never ask you to pay upfront or buy equipment
• Bank SMS: DBS/OCBC/UOB never send links via SMS — ignore any texts with links

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10. Mental Health Support

Being scammed is not your fault.

Scams are crimes, and scammers are professionally trained criminals who exploit trust and goodwill. Regardless of how much you lost, you should never feel ashamed or blame yourself.

Free Mental Health Helplines

Service	Phone	Hours
SOS 24-hour Hotline	1-767 (1-SOS)	24/7
IMH Mental Health Helpline	6389 2222	24/7
Samaritans of Singapore	1800-221-4444	Daily 2pm–10pm
Tinkle Friend (children)	1800-274-4788	Mon–Fri 2:30pm–5pm
AWARE Women's Helpline	1800-777-5555	Mon–Fri 10am–6pm
Care Corner Mandarin Hotline	1800-353-5800	Daily 10am–10pm
Silver Ribbon (mental health)	6385 3714	Mon–Fri 9am–6pm

Online Support

• SOS Online Chat: sos.org.sg (Daily 2pm–10pm)
• IMH Online Counselling: Book sessions through the IMH website
• Credit Counselling Singapore: ccs.org.sg or call 6225 5227 for free debt counselling
• Community Justice Centre: cjc.org.sg for free legal advice

Common Emotional Reactions

After being scammed, you may experience the following emotions — all of which are completely normal:

• Anger: At the scammer and at yourself
• Shame: Feeling "how could I fall for that" — especially in Asian cultures where "saving face" matters
• Anxiety: Worrying about your finances and personal data security
• Insomnia: Replaying the scam events over and over
• Isolation: Not wanting to tell anyone you were scammed
• Self-blame: Repeatedly thinking "if only I hadn't..."

Reminders for Yourself

• Anyone can be scammed — including highly educated, high-income professionals
• Seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness
• Financial losses can be recovered over time — protecting your physical and mental health matters most
• Your experience can help others avoid the same scam — share your report on ScamLens
• If you're experiencing severe distress, call SOS Hotline 1-767 immediately
• Mandarin speakers can call Care Corner Mandarin Hotline 1800-353-5800

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This guide was written by the ScamLens team and is current as of March 2026. Please refer to each organization's official website for the latest information. If you encounter a suspicious website, visit scamlens.org for a free security check.