The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced on Dec. 19 that scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates will face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to a maximum of 24 strokes with effect from Dec. 30.
This is in response to the rising severity of scams, as approximately 190,000 scam cases were reported between 2020 and the first half of 2025, with losses amounting to around S$3.7 billion. Scams constitute 60 percent of all reported crimes.
Still, Singapore’s efforts to prevent scams have paid off. ScamShield’s website states that the total number of scam cases have decreased by 26 percent in the first half of 2025, and the total amount lost decreased by 12.6 percent.
Phishing scams, e-commerce-scams, job scams, investment scams and government official impersonation scams make up the top five scams in Singapore, according to the Singapore Police Force.
“Fighting scams is a top national priority. The number of scam cases and scam losses remain concerning,” said MHA.
Those who enable scammers by laundering scam proceeds, providing SIM cards or SingPass credentials will also face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes, if they intended or knew that the tool would be used for scams, or if the tools were used in a scam without them knowing but they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent misuse.
Offenders under section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating cases that are not scams could also face discretionary caning of up to 24 strokes.
“This recognises that there are egregious traditional cheating cases that could also warrant caning as a sentencing option,” said MHA.
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann told parliament that genuine victims who have been deceived into providing a scam tool would not be penalised.
These measures are enhanced penalties, as part of the amendments introduced under the Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2025, which was passed by parliament last month in November.
