Singapore Police Crack Down on a $5.4 Million Scam
How the Money Vanished
In November, a woman found herself pawning her entire bank balance for the promise of a “government repayment.” The scammers convinced her that she had to hand over every penny to Chinese authorities, and that’s exactly what she did – only to discover it was a massive con.
Over a frantic week, she handed out her money to a handful of strangers across different spots in Singapore. Those “money mules” then made a quick exit from the city, taking the cash with them.
“We’ll leave no stone unturned to catch these crooks and their mule‑helpers,” said Commercial Affairs Director David Chew.
The result? One suspect was scooped up in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 16, and two days later the Malaysian 20‑year‑old was transported back to Singapore with a hand‑shake from the Royal Malaysia Police. If convicted, he could face up to five years behind bars or a hefty fine.
Police Say… Don’t Play the “Surrender” Game
- Ignore the calls – No legitimate government agency will ask you to hand over money over a phone call or a chat app like WeChat or Facebook.
- Verify the source – If you’re a foreign resident receiving a call from someone claiming to be a police officer or an official from your home country, give your embassy or high commission a ring to confirm.
- Guard your data – Viral phishing thrives on personal details. Keep your online banking username, password, OTP tokens, and other personal info under lock‑and‑key.
- Don’t be hasty – Before sending any money, talk it over with a trusted friend or family member. Scammers love to create a sense of urgency.
In Short… Keep Your Cash Safe, Keep Your Sense of Humor
The story reminds us that even in the digital age, the old trick of “big money, big risk” still works. Keep your eyes wide open, your passwords tight, and your wit sharper than a blade. If you find yourself on the receiving end of such a scam, you won’t want to let it happen to you again.
