Singapore Police Launch Major Crackdown on Scammers
In a significant escalation of efforts to combat the pervasive threat of scams, the Singapore Police Force conducted an islandwide enforcement operation from March 26 to April 8, 2026. This sweeping initiative, led by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) in collaboration with seven Police Land Divisions, has placed 251 individuals under investigation. These suspects, comprising 172 men and 79 women aged between 16 and 84, are believed to be linked to more than 665 scam cases, resulting in victim losses exceeding $3.9 million Singapore dollars.
The operation targeted a range of prevalent scam modalities, including e-commerce scams, friend impersonation scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, investment scams, and rental scams. Authorities are probing these individuals for serious offences such as cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871, which carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine; money laundering under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, punishable by up to 10 years' jail, a fine of up to $500,000, or both; and providing unlicensed payment services under Section 5 of the Payment Services Act 2019, which can result in up to three years' imprisonment and a $125,000 fine.
This crackdown underscores Singapore's zero-tolerance stance, particularly following legislative changes effective December 30, 2025. Scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates now face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to a maximum of 24. Money mules, who launder proceeds, supply SIM cards, or share Singpass credentials, risk discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes. Additionally, those involved in mule-related offences may face restrictions under the Facility Restriction Framework, limiting access to banking services and mobile lines.
20 Arrests in Separate Money Mule Probe Over $1.3 Million Losses
Complementing the broader investigation, police arrested 20 suspects—15 men and five women aged 19 to 49—for their alleged roles as money mules in scams causing over $1.3 million in losses. These individuals facilitated crimes through actions like relinquishing or selling bank accounts, cheating banks to open multiple accounts, and handing over internet banking credentials to unknown parties. They face charges of abetment to cheating, assisting in retaining benefits from criminal conduct, and abetment of unauthorised access to computer material.
The scams involved government official impersonation (where fraudsters pose as authorities to extract funds), job scams (fake employment offers demanding upfront payments), e-commerce fraud (non-delivery of goods after payment), and investment scams (bogus high-return schemes). This operation highlights the critical role money mules play in enabling syndicates, often lured by quick cash promises but facing severe repercussions.
Pokemon Cards Emerge as Hotbed for E-Commerce Scams
🎮 A stark example of evolving scam tactics is the surge in fraud involving Pokemon trading cards, a popular collectible among enthusiasts. On April 13, 2026—just a day before this article—22-year-old Singaporean Melvinder Singh Khaira was sentenced to three months and five days' jail after pleading guilty to one count of theft and one of dealing with benefits of criminal conduct. Melvinder acted as a runner for scammer Abdul Matiin Abdul Jameel, who defrauded 45 victims of over $91,000 by advertising non-existent Pokemon cards.
In late April 2025, Melvinder was recruited via Telegram to collect cash from victims and launder proceeds through a friend's PayNow account, receiving nearly $10,000 in scam money on May 3, 2025. He withdrew the funds and hid them near a Tampines market for pickup. While on bail, he committed theft of $52 worth of supermarket items. This case illustrates how everyday items like trading cards become vectors for sophisticated laundering.
Police data reveals a troubling trend: since October 1, 2025, at least 609 e-commerce scams involving Pokemon cards have been reported, contributing to Pokemon-related fraud comprising 13.6% of all such cases in 2025. Victims, including children, have banded together for support after losses totaling hundreds of thousands. Recent advisories warn of commission-based job scams where 'tasks' involve trading digital Pokemon cards on platforms, with at least seven cases in January 2026 alone causing $51,600 in losses.
Understanding Common Scam Types Prevalent in Singapore
To grasp the scope, let's break down key scam categories step-by-step:
- E-commerce Scams: Victims pay for goods online (e.g., Pokemon cards) but receive nothing. Scammers use fake listings on platforms like Carousell or Shopee, vanishing after payment via PayNow or bank transfer.
- Friend Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters hack accounts or spoof numbers to pose as friends in distress, requesting urgent funds.
- Job Scams: Offers of remote work with high commissions require upfront fees for 'training' or 'equipment'. Singapore leads APAC in targeting for these, per Trend Micro research.
- Government Official Impersonation (GOIS): Calls from fake police or IRAS officials demand payment to avoid arrest, often escalating to video calls.
- Investment Scams: Promises of 20-50% returns via apps or WhatsApp groups, leading to Ponzi-like schemes.
- Rental Scams: Bogus property listings require deposits before viewings.
These evolve rapidly, leveraging AI for convincing deepfakes and chatbots.
Scam Statistics: A Glimmer of Hope Amid Persistent Threat
Singapore Police Force's (SPF) Annual Scam and Cybercrime Brief 2025 marks the first decline in three years: scam cases dropped 27.6% to 37,308, losses fell 19% to $913.1 million. The Anti-Scam Command (ASCom) recovered $140.5 million, including $117.7 million via collaborations. Youths (under 30) remain most vulnerable, accounting for disproportionate victims.
Despite progress—24.8% overall drop in scams and cybercrime—experts warn vigilance is key. E-commerce topped with Pokemon variants surging. For full stats, refer to the SPF 2025 Brief.
2026 trends suggest continued pressure, with early data showing persistent e-com and job scams.
Victim Impacts: Financial Ruin and Emotional Toll
Beyond dollars, scams devastate lives. A victim group defrauded in Pokemon scams shared stories of children losing savings, families facing debt. Economic ripple: $913m losses strain households, reduce spending. Seniors and jobseekers hit hardest, eroding trust in digital economy.
Case study: One family lost $700k in Pokemon fraud, forcing asset sales. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression; SPF partners with counselors for support.
Police Strategies and Multi-Agency War on Scams
SPF's arsenal includes ASCom (formed 2024), islandwide ops, international ties (e.g., Global Fraud Summit 2026). Tech: ScamShield app blocks 90% suspicious calls/SMS; prefixed police numbers; HDX national scam list.
Legislation: Mandatory caning deters mules. MAS upstream measures block fraudulent transactions. Platforms like Meta ordered to enhance ad scrutiny. Collaborations with banks freeze accounts swiftly.
Public education via i-Witness hotline (1800-255-0000) yields tips leading to busts. See official operation details.
Prevention Tips: Actionable Steps for Singaporeans
Stay safe with these researched strategies:
- Verify job offers: Legit employers never demand upfront fees. Check MOM listings.
- Use ScamShield: Download for real-time alerts.
- Pause before paying: Call 'friend' via known number; ignore urgency.
- Secure accounts: Enable 2FA, never share OTP/Singpass.
- Report immediately: Dial 999 or WhatsApp 1800-255-0000.
- For e-com: Buy from verified sellers; inspect high-value items in person.
Education campaigns target schools, targeting youth vulnerability.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Expert Insights
CAD Director: "Anyone linked will be held accountable." Victim advocates call for faster refunds. Cybersecurity experts like Trend Micro note Singapore's vigilance (18% encounter rate) but urge AI defenses.
Economists warn scams hinder digital economy growth; solutions include blockchain verification for trades.
Future Outlook: Sustained Vigilance Needed
With drops in 2025, 2026 ops signal momentum, but rising Pokemon/job variants demand innovation. Expected: AI scam detectors, global pacts. Singapore aims for scam-free digital hub via whole-of-government push.
Outlook positive if public heeds warnings—report, verify, protect.
