From Hope to Heartbreak: The Scandal Shocking Singapore’s Migrant Workers
Sam – A 45‑Year‑Old Dreamer
When Sam (name changed for privacy) accepted a warehouse job on June 20, 2023, he was all about quick cash to build a roomy, comfy house for his family back in Bangladesh. Picture this: a man who left his loved ones behind in August 2019, now yearning for the keys to a new home.
The Lure of the “Earnings” Offer
Two days later, a fancy WhatsApp message from a foreign number promised him a commission for completing 60 orders on an online portal. But, as with most fast‑track schemes, you had to deposit money first. Sam complied, pouring in $135 on June 21 and instantly earning $404 back.
The Strip‑Deal That Broke Him
- June 22: Sam performed eight transactions totalling $11,730.
- Result? He could not actually finish the orders, and none of that money came back.
When he realized the scam was real, he filed a police report that same day. The authorities confirmed the complaint and are now investigating the fraud ring.
Numbers that Speak Volumes
According to the police:
- 3,181 migrant workers fell victim to scams last year—up from 1,965 in 2020.
- 357 domestic workers were scammed—a jump from 216 the previous year.
Multiple ministries and NGOs are on the frontline, sharing anti‑scam advisories and damage‑control tips with the workforce.
Safe‑House Initiative in Punggol and Changi
S11 Dormitories, home to roughly 13,000 workers across its two sites, is hosting “talks” where officers explain the different scam types that often target migrants.
Experts on the Front Lines
Mr. Ethan Guo, GM of Transient Workers Count Too, explains:
“The job ads on Facebook are literally a visual imitator of officially registered employment agents. For someone who’s never trained to spot fake posts, it’s a blind spot sigh!”
Similarly, Fast (the Foreign Domestic Worker Association) reports a surge in SMS loan scams. These platforms lure workers with seemingly low‑risk “loans” that, in reality, demand prepaid deposits.
Phishing, Vials, and the True Cost of Money
The 2020 Viber Hook
A 40‑year‑old domestic worker from Myanmar, named Amy (pseudonym), fell for a Viber call in February 2020. The “bank employee” asked ATM card PIN details. Within hours, $2,600 evaporated from Amy’s account. She was left with only $45.
Amy recovered $1,700 after a bank visit and a police report. The scandal left her shaken: “If I receive a call that isn’t from a known number I simply won’t answer.”
Why It’s Harder Than It Looks
Many of these workers feel desperate for quick cash—especially when family members lost incomes due to the pandemic. The convenience of phone‑based scams pleases those seeking a swift, unsecured financial lifeline.
Action & Awareness
Crucial steps being taken:
- Police teams co‑operate with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and NGOs.
- Continuous drafting of anti‑scam advisories shared via SMS, email, community forums, etc.
- Specialized dormitory talks that train workers to spot fraudulent ads.
With 246,300 migrant domestic workers and 318,400 work permit holders in the construction, marine, and process sectors (as of Dec 2023), these efforts are backed by a massive network.
What You Should Do
- Verify any job offer or investment through official channels.
- Be wary of requests for prepaid deposits.
- Never share ATM PINs or personal bank details on unfounded requests.
- Report suspicious activities immediately to the police.
Takeaway
Migrant workers are a prime target for scammers—whether it’s job commissions, loan promises, or phishing. But a combined effort from police, ministries, and community groups offers a lifeline, proving that collective vigilance can reduce the number of victim stories like Sam and Amy’s.
Phishing, job and e-commerce scams most common types targeting migrant workers
Scammers Target Migrant Workers: From Phishing to Heart‑felt Lies
In a world where a “click” can feel like a cheat code, migrant workers are finding themselves on the front page of scam news. According to recent police reports, phishing, job‑posting fraud, and e‑commerce tricks tripped up the biggest number of these brave souls last year.
Police Data & What They’re Saying
- Phishing – “fake emails, fake numbers, and all that jazz.”
- Job Scams – “Promise of a dream gig that turns into a reality check.”
- E‑Commerce Deceptions – “Too‑good‑to‑be‑true online deals that vanish into thin air.”
For domestic helpers, the trio flips to something a bit more touching: phishing, Internet love schemes, and loan scams.
Real‑World Stories
Ms Flora Sha, manager of United Channel maid agency, shares a sobering vignette: “A dozen maids from my agency fell into the loan‑scam trap last year.” She worries that such fraud not only drains their coffers but also throws their employers into hot water.
“Sometimes scammers even visit the employer’s house, demanding money like a nosy relative,” she says. The distress is so palpable that it can jeopardise local livelihoods.
Flora’s main piece of advice? “If you spot a scam, run to your employer or agency for help—unless you’re terrified of losing your paycheck.” She notes that desperation can blind many to the red flags.
Voices from the Front Line
Ms Ruchi Trivedi from the non‑profit ItsRainingRaincoats echoes Flora’s feelings but adds a practical checklist:
- Never give out bank details or passwords to anyone.
- Don’t click on unknown links—think of them as a suspicious door you’d rather skip.
- When unsure, speak to an authority or supervisor; a second opinion can save a fortune.
These voices remind you that the fight against scams isn’t just about money—it’s about protecting dignity, trust, and the peace of mind of those working hard overseas.
Takeaway: Stay sharp, stay alert, and remember that the best defense is a healthy dose of skepticism and a supportive network right where it matters.
