Why Scam Calls Are Still Rising in 2025 and How Every Singaporean Can Protect Themselves

Introduction

Scam calls are not a new problem, but in 2025 their volume and sophistication continue to climb. Many Singaporeans receive scam calls every week, sometimes several times a day. These calls do more than cause financial loss; they erode trust, waste time, and create stress for families. Victims often feel violated and anxious long after the call ends.

In this article, Scam.SG explains why scam calls are still increasing in 2025, the new tactics fraudsters are using, why Singapore remains a top target, and what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your business.

Why Scam Calls Are Still Rising in 2025

1. Low-Cost and High-Scale Technology

VoIP and international call-routing services make it easy for scammers to place millions of calls at minimal cost. Automated diallers and AI-powered voice tools reduce manpower needs.

Voice cloning and real-time AI now allow scammers to impersonate family members, bank staff, or government officers with convincing accuracy, making it easier to trick unsuspecting victims.

2. Advanced Social Engineering Techniques

Scammers are becoming more skilled at research and psychological manipulation. Using open-source information such as social media profiles, public records, and online directories, they craft personalised scripts to gain trust.

Many scams today combine multiple channels such as calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and email to appear more credible. For example, a caller posing as a bank officer might cite a one-time password (OTP) that arrives by SMS, making the scam seem authentic.

3. Global Criminal Networks

Modern scam operations are no longer isolated. They are managed by organised international syndicates that run large-scale call farms, employ money mules, and use conversion services to launder illegal proceeds.

4. Easy Monetisation Through Anonymous Payment Channels

Cryptocurrencies, prepaid cards, e-wallets, and gift cards are popular tools for scammers. They enable quick, hard-to-trace payments and allow criminals to move money across borders instantly, making recovery difficult.

5. Limited Deterrence and Enforcement Challenges

Cross-border investigations are slow and complex. By the time authorities trace a syndicate, the group may have moved servers or hidden assets. Despite strong anti-scam initiatives by Singapore’s law enforcement, the sheer volume and international nature of scams make prosecution difficult.

6. Exploiting New Trends

Scammers move fast to exploit trending topics. From tax season and election periods to new government subsidies or property rules. In 2025, new scams also revolve around emerging technologies such as AI tools, fake NFTs, and fraudulent investment platforms disguised as legitimate apps.

What Scammers Are Doing in 2025 — Common Tactics You Should Know

Understanding current scam tactics is the first step to stopping them.

1. AI-Assisted Impersonation

Scammers use AI voice cloning to mimic loved ones or public officials. Some calls begin with a familiar voice asking for urgent help. In more advanced cases, scammers use deepfake audio combined with personal data to create pressure and urgency.

2. Bank Transfer and Card Block Scams

You may receive a call claiming your bank account or card is compromised. The caller will urge you to transfer funds to a “safe account” or install a “verification” app — both controlled by scammers.

3. Government Impersonation

Calls pretending to be from agencies like CPF, IRAS, MOM, ICA, or even the Courts are common. Scammers threaten fines, frozen benefits, or arrest if you don’t comply immediately.

4. Tech Support and Subscription Scams

Scammers claim your computer or mobile device is infected or that an unpaid subscription needs immediate payment. They persuade you to install apps that give them remote access to your device and financial information.

5. Romance and Social Media Scams

Fraudsters build relationships online over time, then call to request money for urgent travel, hospital bills, or “business opportunities.”

6. Cryptocurrency and Investment Scams

High-pressure calls encourage you to join fake crypto projects, yield farming schemes, or “guaranteed” investment platforms that vanish after collecting funds.

7. Prize, Loan, and Employment Scams

Victims are told they’ve won a prize or been offered a job, but must first pay fees, taxes, or training costs — all scams to collect money quickly.

Why Singapore Remains a High-Target Environment

Singapore’s high GDP per capita, trust in institutions, and strong digital infrastructure make it an appealing target for scammers.

• Widespread digital banking and cashless payments create opportunities for fraud.

• Scammers exploit Singaporeans’ trust in official processes by imitating government and financial communication styles.

• Many residents have international family or business ties, which scammers use to add realism to cross-border scams.

• Both seniors and young adults are vulnerable — seniors may be less tech-savvy, while younger people are targeted with investment and crypto scams.

Signs That a Call May Be a Scam

• Caller pressures you to act quickly or keep the call secret.

• Caller asks for OTPs, PINs, or full bank details.

• Caller requests money transfers to “safe accounts,” crypto wallets, or payment via gift cards.

• Caller claims to be from a government agency but uses generic greetings, poor grammar, or odd call timings.

• Caller asks you to install software or give remote access to your device.

• Caller requests personal documents such as NRIC, selfies, or other identification.

How to Protect Yourself in 2025

A layered defence combining technology, awareness, and safe habits is the best protection.

1. Be sceptical of unsolicited calls. Hang up and call the organisation’s official hotline instead of using numbers provided by the caller.

2. Never share OTPs, PINs, or full card details. Banks and government agencies will never request them.

3. Enable scam detection tools. Use built-in smartphone filters, telco scam-blocking services, and trusted spam-identifying apps.

4. Report every scam call on ScamShield

5. Secure your accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and 2FA (preferably app-based).

6. Don’t move funds under pressure. Always verify independently before transferring money.

7. Verify family emergencies offline. Call the person directly using a known number.

8. Be wary of remote-access requests. Only grant access to verified company support lines.

9. Educate vulnerable loved ones. Talk to elderly family members and teens about scam tactics.

10. Use official communication channels. Legitimate government and bank messages come from official domains such as .gov.sg or verified apps.

If You Have Been Scammed — Act Fast

1. Stop all transfers immediately.

2. Contact your bank to freeze or reverse suspicious transactions.

3. File a police report and retain a copy for investigations.

4. Notify the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) if digital access was compromised.

5. Change all passwords and enable 2FA.

6. Reach out to victim support services for help and counselling.

How Businesses and Telcos Can Help

• Strengthen customer verification processes.

• Enhance international cooperation with law enforcement to track syndicates.

• Deploy AI responsibly to detect call patterns and fraudulent activity.

• Educate customers proactively through campaigns and service messages.

• Implement transfer safeguards for high-risk transactions.

Community Vigilance — Why Your Role Matters

Singapore’s strong community spirit makes awareness powerful. When one person reports a scam to Scam.SG, others are alerted. Schools, workplaces, and community centres can play an active role in sharing information and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Stay Adaptable — Scammers Evolve, So Should You

Scammers quickly adapt to new technologies and social trends. Protect yourself by staying informed, verifying before acting, updating devices, and checking security settings regularly. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Conclusion

Scam calls continue to rise in Singapore due to cheap call technologies, AI-powered impersonation, and global criminal networks. But awareness and action can make a real difference.

Stay alert, use scam-blocking tools, verify before you act, and report suspicious calls immediately. Together, Singaporeans can make the country a harder target for scammers and help protect one another from financial harm.

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