The Singapore Police Force (SPF) would like to remind the public to remain vigilant against Government Official Impersonation Scams, where scammers would falsely assume the identity of an MOM officer to deceive the victims. Since May 2025, there were at least six cases reported with total losses amounting to at least $379,000.
The modus operandi of this scam variant is:
(a) Victim received an unsolicited call from a scammer impersonating as an officer from MOM. The scammer would inform the victim that there were workers employed under victim’s details who were involved in criminal activities or immigration related issues (e.g. money laundering, work permit or visa expired, overstaying in Singapore).
(b) When victims denied knowledge of employing said workers, the first scammer would transfer the call to a second scammer claiming to be a government official (e.g. SPF, ICA). This second scammer would accuse victims of being involved in criminal activities (e.g. money laundering).
(c) In some cases, the victim may be asked to do the following:
- Perform banking transfers or hand over cash to the ‘authorities’ for investigations and safekeeping;
- Declare financial assets for the purposes of financial checks and investigations; or
- Report to them daily and not to disclose to anyone about the investigations.
Victims would realise that they had been scammed when the scammers become uncontactable or when they subsequently verify their situation with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) through official channels.
Separately, SPF is aware of reports where scammers have asked members of the public to verify public officer’s identities via Singapore Government Directory (SGDI) online. SGDI is not a means to verify a public officer’s identity.
We would like to inform members of public that Government Officials will never do the following over a phone call:
- Ask you to transfer money;
- Ask you to disclose banking log-in details;
- Ask you to install mobile apps from unofficial app stores; or
- Transfer your call to Police.
Members of the public are encouraged to adopt the following precautionary measures:
- ADD – Add the ScamShield app to block and filter SMSes. Set up security features (e.g. set up transaction limits for internet banking transactions / credit/debit card transactions, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Multifactor Authentication for banks and e-wallets, use the Money Lock feature of your bank to “lock up” a portion of your money so that it cannot be transferred out digitally by anyone, further protecting your savings from scams). Do not transfer money or hand cash in person to anyone you do not know or have not met in person before. Do not disclose sensitive information such as your house address, bank / card details and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to anyone.
- CHECK – Check for scam signs with official sources such as the ScamShield Helpline (1799). You can also check the legitimacy of suspicious messages, phone numbers and website links via the ScamShield app or visit the ScamShield website at www.scamshield.gov.sg. For more information on how to identify fake “MOM” websites or eServices, and SMS, phone or email scams, members of the public can visit www.mom.gov.sg/transact-safely-and-securely.
- TELL – Tell the authorities, family, and friends about scams. Report and block suspected scam accounts/chat groups. Call your bank immediately and make a police report if you think you have fallen victim.
If you have any information relating to such crimes or if you are in doubt, please call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000, or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. All information will be kept strictly confidential. If you require urgent Police assistance, please dial ‘999’.
Fighting scams is a community effort. Together, we can ACT Against Scams to safeguard our community!
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 June 2025 @ 11:10 AM