Think scams only happen to older adults or less tech-savvy individuals? The reality is quite different.

Today’s scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), social engineering, deepfake technology, and personalised data to target people of all ages. In fact, many scam victims in Singapore are working adults who are active online, familiar with digital platforms, and confident in managing their finances.

While scam cases in Singapore fell by 24.8% in 2025 from the year before, scammers still managed to steal more than S$900 million from victims. Adults aged 30 to 49 accounted for the largest share of scam victims, proving that digital literacy alone is no guarantee against increasingly sophisticated fraud.

From AI-generated video calls featuring government officials to fake investment chat groups and concert ticket scams, today’s scams are designed to look legitimate, create urgency, and exploit trust.

In this guide, we break down the most common scams affecting Singaporeans right now, how they work, the warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Why Are Online Scams Increasing in Singapore?

Scammers have evolved alongside technology. Many scams no longer rely on obvious phishing emails or suspicious phone calls. Instead, criminals now use:

• AI-generated images, voices, and videos
• Stolen personal data from previous breaches
• Fake business websites and social media profiles
• Encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram
• Sophisticated impersonation techniques

The result is a new generation of scams that feel increasingly personalised and believable.

Rather than relying solely on technical tricks, scammers often exploit human psychology. Fear, urgency, trust, greed, curiosity, and even patriotism can all be used to manipulate victims into making quick decisions.

6 Common Online Scams in Singapore Right Now

 

1. Deepfake Scams

Artificial intelligence has given rise to one of the fastest-growing scam threats in Singapore: deepfake scams.

In May 2026, a victim lost at least S$4.9 million after scammers used AI-generated video technology to impersonate Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and other senior government officials during a fake Zoom meeting. The scammers convinced the victim to provide “urgent funding assistance” through a series of bank transfers.

How it starts

• WhatsApp messages from seemingly legitimate contacts
• Invitations to private Zoom or Teams meetings
• Emails appearing to come from government agencies or business leaders

Common platforms used
WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Email

Psychological tactic used
Authority and trust: Victims are more likely to comply when they believe they are communicating with senior government officials, executives, or public figures.

Typical victim profile

• Business owners
• Senior executives
• Professionals handling financial decisions

Red flags

• Requests for confidential information
• Requests for urgent fund transfers
• Unusual communication channels
• Poor-quality email domains
• Excessive secrecy or confidentiality requirements

Prevention tips

• Verify requests through official channels
• Check email domains carefully
• Never transfer money solely based on a video call
• Be cautious even if a person appears authentic on screen

2. Business Repayment Redirection Scams

Business payment redirection scams have become increasingly costly for Singapore companies. Since January 2026 alone, at least 66 reported cases resulted in losses exceeding S$19 million.

Victims were tricked into changing payment details for legitimate suppliers, causing funds to be transferred directly to scammers instead.

How it starts

• Fake invoices
• Spoofed vendor emails
• Compromised business email accounts

Common platforms used
Corporate email, accounting software, supplier communications

Psychological tactic used
Trust and routine: Scammers exploit existing business relationships to avoid raising suspicion.

Typical victim profile

• Finance personnel
• Procurement teams
• SMEs
• Business owners

Red flags

• Sudden changes to payment instructions
• Requests to use new bank accounts
• Minor changes in email addresses
• Pressure to process payments quickly

Prevention tips

• Verify payment changes through phone calls
• Implement dual approval processes
• Train employees regularly on scam awareness

3. Investment Chat Group Scams

Investment scams remain one of the most damaging scam categories in Singapore, accounting for some of the highest losses reported each year. Many victims are lured into seemingly legitimate investment communities that promise exclusive opportunities, insider tips, or guaranteed returns. Investment scams were among the top scam categories by total losses in 2025.

How it starts
Victims are added to WhatsApp or Telegram groups where “investment experts” share stock tips, cryptocurrency opportunities, or trading strategies.

In some cases, scammers first approach victims through social media advertisements or dating platforms before inviting them to join a private investment community.

Common platforms used
WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, fake investment websites

Psychological tactic used
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and social proof: Scammers create the illusion that everyone in the group is making money. Fake testimonials, screenshots of profits, and success stories are used to encourage victims to invest larger amounts.

Typical victim profile

• Working professionals
• Individuals seeking passive income
• Pre-retirees looking to grow savings
• First-time investors

Red flags

• “Once-in-a-lifetime” investment opportunities
• Pressure to invest quickly
• Requests to transfer funds to personal accounts
• Unlicensed investment platforms
• Inability to withdraw profits

Prevention tips

• Verify whether the company is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore
• Conduct independent research
• Never rely solely on testimonials or chat group recommendations
• Consult a licensed financial adviser before investing

4. Concert Ticket and E-Commerce Scams

Excitement around popular concerts, sporting events, and limited-edition products creates ideal opportunities for scammers.

When high-demand events sell out, scammers often exploit desperate fans by offering fake tickets through online marketplaces, social media platforms, or messaging apps.

How it starts
Victims come across listings advertising:

• Concert tickets
• Event passes
• Electronics
• Luxury goods
• Popular collectibles

The seller requests payment upfront before disappearing or delivering counterfeit items.

Common platforms used
Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, Telegram, Instagram, TikTok, messaging apps

Psychological tactic used
Scarcity and urgency: Scammers know that consumers are more likely to make rushed decisions when they fear missing out on a highly sought-after event or product.

Typical victim profile

• Young adults
• Concert-goers
• Online shoppers
• Collectors

Red flags

• Prices that seem unusually attractive
• Sellers refusing secure payment methods
• Requests for full payment before verification
• Newly created seller accounts
• Lack of reviews or transaction history

Prevention tips

• Buy only from authorised sellers
• Use secure payment methods
• Avoid direct bank transfers to unknown individuals
• Verify ticket authenticity whenever possible
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true

5. Cryptocurrency Transfer Scams

Cryptocurrency scams continue to grow as digital assets become more mainstream. Unlike traditional bank transfers, cryptocurrency transactions are typically irreversible, making it much harder to recover funds once they have been transferred.

In 2025, losses involving cryptocurrency accounted for approximately one-fifth of all scam losses in Singapore.

How it starts
Victims are instructed to:

• Open cryptocurrency exchange accounts
• Purchase digital assets
• Transfer funds to a specified crypto wallet

The request may be disguised as:

• An investment opportunity
• A government investigation
• A romance scam
• A technical support issue

Common platforms used
WhatsApp, Telegram, cryptocurrency exchanges, social media, dating platforms

Psychological tactic used
Complexity and urgency: Scammers rely on victims’ unfamiliarity with cryptocurrency and pressure them to act before they have time to verify information.

Typical victim profile

• Investors
• Tech-savvy individuals
• Individuals seeking high returns
• Victims of impersonation scams

Red flags

• Requests to convert funds to cryptocurrency
• Promises of exceptionally high returns
• Pressure to act immediately
• Unverified investment platforms
• Requests for wallet recovery phrases

Prevention tips

• Never transfer cryptocurrency on someone else’s instructions
• Verify investment opportunities independently
• Enable security features on exchange accounts
• Be cautious of unsolicited investment advice

6. Job / Money Mule Scams

Many people assume money mules are criminals who knowingly assist scammers. However, some individuals are recruited without fully understanding the consequences.

A money mule is someone who allows their bank account, payment account, or digital wallet to be used to receive, transfer, or withdraw criminal proceeds.

How it starts
Victims are approached with offers such as:

• Easy work-from-home jobs
• Commission-based payment processing roles
• Requests to “help transfer funds”

The tasks may initially appear harmless.

Common platforms used
Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, job portals, social media

Psychological tactic used
Financial incentives: Scammers appeal to people seeking quick income by promising easy commissions for minimal effort.

Typical victim profile

• Students
• Young adults
• Job seekers
• Individuals facing financial difficulties

Red flags

• Requests to use your personal bank account
• Jobs involving money transfers for strangers
• High commissions for simple administrative tasks
• Employers who avoid formal interviews

Prevention tips

• Never allow others to use your bank account
• Be wary of jobs involving fund transfers
• Verify employers independently
• Understand that acting as a money mule may result in criminal liability
• Remember: Claiming ignorance may not protect you from legal consequences if your account is used for criminal activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

I clicked a scam link. What should I do?

If you clicked a scam link, disconnect from the site immediately. Change any affected passwords, enable two-factor authentication and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If banking credentials were entered, contact your bank immediately and report the incident.

Verify your concerns by calling the 1800-722-6688 hotline, managed by the National Crime Prevention Council (weekdays, 9am – 5pm).

What should I do if I transferred money to a scammer?

Contact your bank as soon as possible. In some cases, banks may be able to freeze or trace funds if action is taken quickly. You should also make a police report and retain all evidence relating to the transaction.

Can scam victims recover their money?

Recovery depends on factors such as the scam type, speed of reporting, and whether the funds can still be traced. Unfortunately, recovery is not always possible, especially for cryptocurrency transfers and overseas scam syndicates.

How do I report a scam in Singapore?

You can contact the police, submit information through ScamShield, and notify your bank immediately. Reporting promptly may help prevent further losses and protect others from becoming victims.

For e-commerce scams, report the incident to the online marketplace platform and file a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE).

If you have our Personal Cyber Insurance, you can file a claim with the necessary supporting documents.

What is the most common scam in Singapore?

The most frequently reported scam categories have included e-commerce scams, phishing scams, and job scams. However, newer threats such as deepfake scams and investment chat group scams are growing rapidly.

How can I tell if a message is a scam?

Common warning signs include urgent requests, promises of exceptionally high returns, requests for personal information, suspicious links, unexpected payment instructions, and attempts to move conversations to private messaging platforms.

Stay Alert, Stay Protected

Scammers are constantly adapting their tactics, and no demographic is completely immune. Whether it is a convincing deepfake video, a fake job opportunity, or a seemingly legitimate investment group, the most effective defense remains the same: slow down, verify independently, and never let urgency dictate your decisions.

From simple cybersecurity measures such as switching off your location services to being mindful of befriending strangers online, you can do your part to keep you and your household safer from online threats.

Stay protected online with Personal Cyber Insurance from Tiq by Etiqa Insurance. Get coverage of up to S$25,000 for you and your household members against cybersecurity breaches. Terms apply.

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Information is accurate as at 18 June 2020. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K).

This article was updated on 1 July 2026.

Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.

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