The Straits Times Column
Learn about the different types of scams and how to stay safe with The Straits Times, in partnership with the Singapore Police Force.
34 articles
5 April 2026
She transferred almost $20,000 to ‘police’ under threat of being detained
The number of government officials impersonation scams doubled in 2025, with 3,363 recorded cases in 2025, up from 1,504 cases in 2024
Articles
1 February 2026
Lured by a deepfake video, retiree lost over $4,000 in an investment scheme
Investment scams recorded the highest amount of losses, at about $145.4 million, in the first half of 2025.
Articles
4 January 2026
He wanted to buy cute toilet rolls for grandkids but lost $700 instead
E‑commerce scams are the second‑most reported scam types in the first half of 2025, say police
Articles
7 December 2025
She thought she found an easy side gig – then they asked to pay her in crypto
Victims in Singapore lost $59 million to job scams in the first half of 2025
Articles
9 November 2025
Don’t lend your login: Sharing these details makes you an accomplice to a scam
Singapore steps up measures against scam mules with caning and restriction of access to bank and telco services
Articles
12 October 2025
How this 23-year-old helps people pause, check and stay protected from scams
ScamShield helpline agent Alyshah Fandy offers guidance to callers, helping them spot red flags and avoid falling prey to scams
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14 September 2025
Victims in S’pore lost a total of $126.5m to this scam type in 6 months
In first half of 2025, the number of government officials impersonation scam cases spiked by 199.2 per cent, say the police
Articles
17 August 2025
With just 1 tap, this doctor lost his Telegram account to cyber criminals
In a poll by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, only 13 per cent of respondents were able to distinguish between all phishing and legitimate content
Articles
20 July 2025
He emptied savings to buy $52k worth of gold bars, and handed them to a stranger
In a new variant of government official impersonation scams, victims have been asked to hand over physical cash or gold bars.
Articles
22 June 2025
10-second pause saved her from losing five-figure sum to a scam
In Singapore, S$151.3 million were lost to government officials impersonation scams in 2024
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