Forum: Have trusted family members rather than police manage scam victims’ money

While I commend the Government for taking steps to address the serious issue of scams, I am worried about the implications of treating victims as if they require constant oversight, like being put on an allowance scheme (How did S’pore end up needing ‘nanny’ laws to save scam victims from themselves?, Nov 17).

This approach may not only undermine their dignity but also deter them from seeking help.

I recently witnessed the impact of scams when my cousin fell victim to one, losing a substantial amount of life savings. Thankfully, his family rallied to help him cope with his emotional and financial turmoil. This experience highlighted the vital role of family support in the recovery process, demonstrating that victims often need compassionate assistance rather than stringent oversight.

I urge the Government to consider involving trusted family members or caregivers, rather than the police, to manage these victims’ financial matters. This would provide a more compassionate approach, allowing victims to maintain their autonomy while ensuring their safety.

The onus lies with banks to better protect their customers. They must devise comprehensive systems that proactively shield vulnerable people from scams.

I suggest that all banks send out cautionary messages to their customers via hardcopy letters posted to their homes in all four official languages besides SMS notifications on their mobile devices. This will ensure that vital information reaches every segment of our diverse population, fostering a culture of vigilance and education.

More than $2.7 billion has been lost to scams since 2019, and the staggering amount highlights an urgent need for a more proactive and supportive response.

Besides having public education campaigns, we should engage in a broader societal dialogue about the nature of scams and the psychological manipulation involved.

Understanding that scammers exploit vulnerabilities can help us develop empathetic strategies to help victims recover. We should not judge those who fall prey, but instead focus on building a robust safety net that encompasses prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation.

Even with the proposed laws, it is crucial that we adopt a comprehensive approach that empowers victims and protects them from future harm. Let us work together to ensure that our society is not only safe but also compassionate towards those who have been exploited.

V. Balu