Scam Prevention

Police Impersonation Scam Calls in Singapore: 5 Clear Signs It’s a Fake

  • Estelle
Police Impersonation Scam Calls in Singapore: 5 Clear Signs It’s a Fake

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Police Impersonation Scam Calls in Singapore: 5 Clear Signs It’s a Fake

Police impersonation scam calls are on the rise in Singapore, leaving many residents anxious and unsure about what to believe. These scams prey on fear and urgency by pretending to be officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or other local authorities. The scammers’ goal is simple: trick you into handing over money, disclosing sensitive information or clicking on harmful links.

This guide explains, in straightforward Singaporean terms, how to quickly spot fake police calls. You’ll learn the five biggest red flags, plus practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. By sharing these tips, you can also help make Singapore a safer place for everyone.

Why police impersonation scams are effective in Singapore

  • Trust in local authorities: Singaporeans generally trust public agencies, and scammers exploit that trust to appear credible.

  • Fear of law enforcement: Being told you are under investigation or facing arrest can trigger panic, making it easier for fraudsters to control the conversation.

  • Use of local details: Scammers spoof Singapore numbers and drop agency names like SPF or ICA to make their calls sound real.

  • Technology: Voice calls, SMS, WhatsApp and even deepfakes are now being used to mimic real officers convincingly.

Common police impersonation scam scenarios in Singapore

  • “You are wanted for a crime” — Caller says you have a warrant and must cooperate immediately.

  • “Your bank account is flagged” — They claim your account is linked to crime and ask for OTPs, banking logins or transfers to a “safe account.”

  • “Verification is required” — They request your NRIC number, date of birth or other details.

  • “Pay fines or fees” — They demand instant payment for alleged offences through PayNow, e-wallets or vouchers.

  • “A family member has been arrested” — You are told to send bail money urgently.

5 signs the police impersonation call is fake

1. The caller pressures you to act immediately and threatens arrest

Real police officers will not demand payment on the spot or threaten to lock you up unless you transfer money.

What to do: Stay calm, ask for their name, rank, department, badge number and case reference. Verify through official SPF hotlines.

2. They ask for OTPs, PINs or banking passwords

Neither banks nor government agencies in Singapore ask for One-Time Passwords, PINs or banking logins over the phone.

What to do: Refuse immediately. Call your bank using the official hotline on your card or website.

3. The caller addresses you vaguely or makes mistakes

Scammers often use “Sir/Madam,” mispronounce names or give incorrect details about Singapore law.

What to do: Ask for a case number or badge number. Hang up and call the agency directly to check.

4. They request untraceable or strange payments

Scammers often demand payment via personal bank accounts, gaming vouchers, Lazada gift cards or unverified PayNow numbers.

What to do: The SPF will never ask you to pay in this way. Hang up at once.

5. The caller refuses to let you verify their identity

If they stop you from checking their details, it is almost certainly a scam.

What to do: Hang up and report the number to ScamShield and file a report on Scam.SG.

How to verify suspicious calls in Singapore

  • File a report on SPF website.

  • Contact the agency directly via its official number or website.

  • Visit a neighbourhood police centre to confirm in person.

  • Use ScamShield and your bank’s fraud hotline if the call involves financial claims.

What to do immediately if you suspect a scam

  1. Hang up — don’t argue or press buttons.

  2. Do not share any personal details or OTPs.

  3. Note down the number and what the caller said.

  4. Contact your bank right away if you gave banking details.

  5. File a police report through police.gov.sg or at your nearest police centre.

  6. Submit the case to Scam.SG to alert the community.

Protecting vulnerable family members

  • Talk openly with seniors about scam tactics.

  • Remind them: “Police will never ask for money or OTPs over the phone.”

  • Register them for ScamShield and activate spam call filtering.

  • Encourage them to consult family before sending money.

Quick checklist: Spotting a fake police call

  • Pressure to act or pay immediately — Scam

  • Request for OTPs or banking details — Scam

  • Payment through vouchers or private accounts — Scam

  • Refusal to verify identity — Scam

If in doubt, hang up and check through official hotlines.

Final thoughts

Police impersonation scams play on fear, urgency and trust in Singapore’s public institutions. The bottom line is clear: real officers will not ask for money, OTPs or passwords over the phone. Always take a moment to verify before acting.

If you receive a suspicious call, report it immediately to the police and share the details on Scam.SG — whether to verify a business or company or to submit a scam report. Your action not only protects you but also raises awareness and shields the wider Singapore community from fraud.

Stay calm, stay alert, and always verify.