Singapore is stepping up efforts to disrupt scam syndicates by restricting access to essential financial and communication services for so-called “scam mules”.
The move was announced on Tuesday (Sep 17) by the Singapore Police Force, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech), claims CNA.
Authorities said that scam mules often provide bank accounts, mobile lines and digital facilities that are crucial for fraudsters to operate. “The success of scam syndicates hinges on local persons providing their bank accounts, mobile lines and other essential facilities to the syndicates. We have to restrict scammers’ access to these facilities, to disrupt their operations and protect the public,” the authorities said.
The restrictions will apply to individuals found to have previously enabled scams, as well as those under investigation for mule-related offences. The measures include curbs on banking services such as ATM withdrawals, card-based transactions and digital banking, as well as limits on the use of Singpass for high-risk services such as opening a bank account. New mobile line subscriptions may also be prohibited, and Corppass access restricted.
Singpass is Singapore’s national authentication system for e-services, while Corppass is used by companies and entities to manage employees’ digital service access. Officials stressed that restrictions would be calibrated to balance enforcement with individuals’ basic financial and communication needs.
The scale of the problem has grown significantly. Nearly 15% of telephone subscribers who allowed their lines to be used for scams this year were repeat offenders, accounting for more than 11,000 mobile numbers. In the first half of the year alone, over 19,600 scam cases were reported, with losses reaching S$456.4m (US$357m).
The authorities confirmed that “the specific restrictions to be imposed and the duration of the restrictions will be calibrated based on the risks posed by the scam mule, taking into consideration basic financial and communication needs.”
Beyond service restrictions, sentencing advisory guidelines have been updated to recommend harsher punishments for those involved in scams. “Mules will face more severe penalties, including imprisonment,” the authorities said.
The measures will be rolled out in phases beginning in October, with initial focus on limiting access to banking services and blocking new mobile subscriptions. Those affected will be informed directly by the police, who will also oversee appeals.
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