At least 13 scam cases have been reported since September 2025, with victims losing a total of S$362,000 to date, according to the Singapore Police Force.

The scams involved callers posing as staff from telecommunications company M1 Limited and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Victims received unsolicited calls, including through WhatsApp, from individuals claiming to be from M1 who alleged that they had mobile plans with unpaid bills or pending phone deliveries.

When victims denied having such accounts, they were told to contact “customer service” on WhatsApp to cancel the plan.

They were then connected to someone impersonating a MAS officer who claimed their personal details had been used for crimes such as money laundering or fraud.

Victims were instructed to transfer money for investigations via PayNow, to supposed government “safety accounts,” in cash to unknown persons, or through cryptocurrency transfers.

Some were asked to screen-share on WhatsApp while logging into their bank accounts.

Police said government officials will never ask the public to transfer money, disclose banking log-in details, install mobile apps from unofficial app stores, or transfer calls to the police.

Legitimate M1 calls appear only from these caller IDs: 1622, 1627, 1623, or 1693.

The public is advised to install the ScamShield app, set transaction limits, enable low notification thresholds, alert banks of suspicious activity, and use Money Lock where available.

Banks in Singapore have also begun implementing safeguards that may hold or block digital transfers exceeding 50 percent of an account’s balance to curb rapid withdrawals in suspected scam cases.

For verification, use the ScamShield app or contact the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.

Anyone who suspects they have fallen victim to a scam should contact their bank immediately and lodge a police report.

More information is available at www.scamshield.gov.sg.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by Freepik