New Law Targets Scam Victims
From July 1, 2025, Singapore’s police can now issue Restriction Orders (ROs) to freeze or limit bank accounts, ATM access, online transfers, and credit facilities for individuals suspected of being targeted by scams—effectively blocking transactions before victims unknowingly transfer money to scammers.
Why It’s Needed
Scam cases and financial losses in Singapore have surged—rising from 46,563 incidents in 2023 (totaling S $651.8 million losses) to 51,501 cases in 2024, reaching record loss figures of over S $1.1 billion. Approximately 86% of scam reports involve self‑initiated transfers by victims who refuse to acknowledge they are being duped.
How Restriction Orders Work
- Criteria: Police must have “reasonable belief” that an individual is being deceived and is about to transfer or has already communicated with scammers.
- Scope: ROs cover Singapore’s seven major banks (DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citibank, HSBC, Maybank, Standard Chartered), with the possibility of extending to other financial platforms including e‑wallets and remittance services.
- Daily Essentials: Victims can still access funds for essential living expenses upon application and police approval.
- Time Limits: Each RO lasts up to 30 days, renewable up to five times (maximum 180 days), but can be lifted earlier if deemed safe.
- Appeal: Individuals can appeal to the Commissioner of Police; the RO remains active during the appeal process with final judgments made by the Commissioner.
Government Rationale and Safeguards
The Ministry of Home Affairs views the RO as a last-resort protective measure, used only after other educational and intervention efforts fail, emphasizing timely action to prevent irreversible financial losses. Minister Sun Xueling highlighted that these orders are necessary to stop scenarios where victims lose their life savings before they can be warned.
Broader Anti-Scam Efforts
Singapore’s crackdown extends beyond ROs:
- In 2021, the Anti‑Scam Division was established, deploying bank staff within police units for rapid intervention.
- A shared liability framework with banks and telcos, the ScamShield app, and various digital measures were set up to curb scams proactively.
- Regional collaboration, such as Operation First Light 2024, froze thousands of suspect accounts globally.
Looking Ahead
As scammers shift tactics toward digital channels like e‑wallets and cryptocurrency, authorities are considering extending ROs to crypto platforms, remittance services, and overseas accounts. Public education campaigns and tech-based safeguards remain crucial to complement enforcement powers.
Bottom Line
Singapore’s new anti‑scam law equips police with robust, timely tools to block scam-related transactions before irreversible harm occurs. By combining freezing powers, public awareness, and financial-sector cooperation, Singapore is taking a decisive stance against a growing financial threat.
