New Measures Target Scam Offenders Amid Rising Fraud in Singapore and ASEAN

On September 17, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech Singapore) announced new measures to curb scams. Working with industry partners, the said agencies will restrict access to facilities often exploited for scams. They include banking, telecommunications, and digital government (i.e., Singpass and Corpass) services. The new restrictions — phased from October 2025 — target individuals previously warned, prosecuted, or under investigation for mule-related offences. Enhanced sentencing guidelines will impose stricter penalties on offenders. In the first half of 2025 alone, 19,665 scam cases were reported in Singapore, accounting for almost $456.4 million in losses.
Scams in Southeast Asia are on the rise, with authorities across the region reporting increasing cases of fraud, cybercrime, and financial scams that exploit both digital and traditional channels and erode public trust. ASEAN Member States have reaffirmed their commitment to combating transnational cybercrime and online fraud. The formalization of the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Cybercrime and Online Scams at the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (19th AMMTC) on September 10 reflects ASEAN’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement. Under the Declaration, ASEAN is set to investigate new criminal tactics, expand joint investigations, and forge closer engagement with Dialogue Partners.