Singapore Latest Scam Statistics 2025: Top 10 Scams, Victim Profiles, and How to Stay Safe

Scams remain one of the most significant financial crime challenges in Singapore. Fraudsters continue to adapt their methods, exploiting emotions, technology, and trust to deceive victims. The latest figures for the first half of 2025 bring some relief: both the number of scam cases and the total amount lost have declined compared to the same period last year.

This article explores the scam statistics in Singapore from January to June 2025, breaks down the ten most common scam types, and highlights the victim profiles most affected by each. Understanding these patterns is crucial for individuals and families who want to stay one step ahead of scammers.

Number of Scam Cases in Singapore are Declining

Between January and June 2025, there were 19,665 reported scam cases, a 26 percent decrease compared to 2024. The total financial losses fell by 12.6 percent, amounting to $456.4 million.

This drop reflects stronger enforcement, wider use of scam-prevention tools, and more proactive public education. Still, the scale of the losses highlights that scams remain a pressing issue in Singapore.

Top 10 Scams in Singapore 

The first half of 2025 saw a range of scam types, each with its own way of deceiving victims. Some scams were more common, while others caused more financial damage.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams remained the most frequently reported. With 3,779 cases, they accounted for $30.4 million in losses with the average loss per case being $$8,057.

Phishing scams are the most common in Singapore. Victims are tricked into giving away bank details or one-time passwords through fake websites and fraudulent SMS or emails.

Victim profile: These scams mainly affect younger and middle-aged groups, especially those between 19 and 49 years old, who are frequent users of digital banking and online services.

E-Commerce Scams

E-commerce scams also continued to trouble Singaporeans. There were 3,237 cases, with victims losing $7.6 million in total, with the average loss hovering at $2,343.

These scams typically occur on platforms like Carousell, TikTok Shop, or Instagram stores, where buyers pay for goods that are never delivered.

Victim profile: Teenagers, young adults, and working adults under 30 are most often affected, as they are the heaviest users of online shopping platforms.

Job Scams

Job scams came next with 2,701 cases, but their financial impact was much larger. Victims lost around $59 million, with each case averaging over $21,000 in losses.

Job scams promise easy money, freelance work, or remote jobs but require “registration” or “processing” fees. Victims often end up losing thousands before realising the job is fake.

Victim profile: Job seekers in their 20s and 30s are most at risk, as they are often on the lookout for part-time or supplementary income opportunities.

Investment Scams

Investment scams were fewer in number, with 2,698 cases, but they caused the most damage. Losses reached a staggering $145.4 million, with each victim losing an average of $53,915.

Investment scams cause the most financial damage. Scammers pose as financial advisors or representatives of legitimate firms, promising guaranteed profits from cryptocurrency, stocks, or forex trading.

Victim profile: Middle-aged and senior Singaporeans, particularly those between 50 and 65 and above, are most vulnerable as they often have higher savings to invest.

Government Official Impersonation Scams

Another high-value scam was government official impersonation. Fraudsters pretended to be officers from agencies like the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority or the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.

 There were 1,762 cases of this type, resulting in $126.5 million in losses, with each victim losing more than $70,000 on average. Victims were often told they were under investigation and pressured into making urgent transfers.

Victim profile: Older adults, particularly those aged 50 and above, are frequently targeted, as they may be more susceptible to authority figures.

Fake Friend Call Scams

Fake friend call scams, which usually target older victims, saw over a thousand cases and cost $2.8 million with average loss at $2,689.

Victims receive calls from someone pretending to be a friend or relative in urgent need of money. Many agree to transfer funds immediately.

Victim profile: Seniors are the most common victims, as they are more trusting and less likely to question such calls.

Insurance Services Scams

Fraudsters convince victims to buy fake insurance policies or switch providers, leaving them with no coverage after paying premiums.

Insurance service scams took $21.3 million from 791 victims who thought they were buying genuine policies. Victims lost about $27,004 on average, this is definitely not a small figure.

Victim profile: Middle-aged working professionals, often between 30 and 49, are targeted, as they are the ones typically seeking insurance coverage.

Sexual Services Scams

These scams exploit individuals seeking companionship services online, demanding upfront payments but delivering nothing.

Internet love scams, though only 433 in number, drained $12 million from victims who believed they were helping romantic partners in need.

Victim profile: Adult males, particularly younger to middle-aged groups, are the primary targets.

Loan Scams

Victims are told they qualify for fast loans but must first pay fees such as “security deposits” or “processing charges.” The loans never arrive.

Although the number of cases reported for loan scam is 457 which is less than other, the total loss amounted to 3.0 million. Loan scam victim lost $6,660 on average.

Victim profile: Adults facing financial difficulties, often in their 30s to 50s, are the most common victims.

Internet Love Scams

These scams involve building online romantic relationships before fabricating emergencies that require large amounts of money.

Lastly, Internet Love Scams, though reporting the fewest cases, still caused a staggering $12 million in losses. With an average loss of $27,920 per victim, the impact is severe, highlighting the urgent need for stronger efforts to reduce such cases.

Victim profile: Older adults, particularly those aged 50 and above, are the most common victims, as scammers exploit loneliness and trust.

Enforcement and Anti-Scam Measures by the Singapore Police Force

Singapore has strengthened its approach to fighting scams through legislation, enforcement, and collaboration with financial institutions. The Protection from Scams Act took effect on 1 July 2025, giving authorities more powers to disrupt scams and block fraudulent accounts.

The Anti-Scam Centre launched a Crypto Tracing Team in March 2025 to track digital assets, while GXS Bank has been working closely with the Anti-Scam Command since the same month to enhance fraud detection. Authorities have also cracked down on the misuse of local SIM cards, which are often used to mask scam activities.

These efforts have yielded results. In just six months, more than $56.7 million in scam losses were recovered, over 19,800 SMS alerts were sent to potential victims, and 560 joint interventions with banks prevented another $33.7 million in losses.

Public Education and Awareness

Education is a critical part of Singapore’s anti-scam strategy. The ScamShield suite of resources, including the 24/7 helpline at 1799 and the ScamShield mobile app, provides accessible tools for residents. Publicity campaigns run across traditional and digital media, while community-level initiatives such as Cyber Guardians on Watch and Cyber Crime Prevention Ambassadors empower volunteers to spread awareness directly to households.

Lessons from the 2025 Scam Statistics

The data from the first half of 2025 tells a clear story. Although scam cases are declining, the financial damage remains severe. Investment and government impersonation scams account for the largest losses, while phishing and e-commerce scams affect the largest number of victims. Different scams also target different groups, from teenagers shopping online to retirees with significant savings.

How Singaporeans Can Stay Protected

The fight against scams requires both collective action and individual responsibility. For individuals, the first step is to stay alert. Requests for money, personal details, or urgent action should always be verified directly with the relevant authority or company. ScamShield is a free and effective tool that can block suspicious calls and texts.

Practical steps include:

• Verify before you act: Always confirm requests with official sources before transferring money

• Use ScamShield: Download the ScamShield app to filter scam calls and report suspicious messages

• Be cautious on digital platforms: Avoid clicking unfamiliar links, and never share sensitive information over text or chat

• Stay updated: Regularly follow advisories from the Singapore Police Force and read up more about scams at Scam.SG

• Report immediately: If you suspect a scam, call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799 or make a police report online. 

Conclusion

The first half of 2025 demonstrates both progress and continuing risk. Singapore has managed to reduce the number of scams and total losses, but fraudsters continue to exploit trust, technology, and human emotions.

By learning from the latest statistics, understanding the victim profiles most at risk, and using available resources, Singaporeans can better protect themselves and their families. Scams may evolve, but vigilance and awareness remain the best defence.

Stay smart, stay safe, stay vigilant with Scam.SG.