Police probing 259 people over scams that cost victims $5.2 million

SINGAPORE – A total of 259 people are assisting the police with investigations over their alleged involvement in various scams, with victims collectively losing around $5.2 million.

The 181 men and 78 women, aged between 16 and 82, were rounded up after a two-week operation from Sept 10 to Sept 23, the police said in a press release on Sept 24.

They were allegedly involved in more than 648 cases of scams as scammers or money mules, preliminary investigations showed.

These ruses involved mainly e-commerce, phishing, jobs, the impersonation of government officials, investments and lucky draws.

The 259 people are being probed for cheating, money laundering, or providing unlicensed payment services.

Scammers, as well as members or recruiters of scam syndicates, will receive between six and 24 strokes of the cane when convicted. Those who help scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards, and providing Singpass credentials may receive up to 12 strokes when convicted.

Those who are involved in mule-related offences may also face restrictions on banking services and mobile line subscriptions, the police said.

For more information on scams, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. To give information on such scams to the police, call 1800-255-0000 or go to www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential, the police said.