Police investigate 274 suspected scammers, money mules linked to over $6.4m in losses

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ST20250226-202556800625-Lim Yaohui-pixgeneric/ Police advisory on invest scam at Raffles Place Park within the heart of Singapore's financial centre in the CBD area on Feb 26, 2025. Can be used for stories on scam, scamshield, SMS, Whatsapp, Singapore Police Force, police, crime, and court. (ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

Close to half a billion dollars was lost to scams in the first half of 2025, with almost 20,000 cases reported.

ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

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SINGAPORE - A total of 274 suspected scammers and money mules are being investigated for ruses resulting in more than $6.4 million in losses, following a two-week police operation.

In a statement on Sept 11, the police said the group comprises 190 men and 84 women aged between 16 and 80, and is allegedly involved in more than 600 scams.

These mainly included government official and friend impersonation scams, job scams, e-commerce scams, as well as investment and rental scams.

The suspects are being investigated for cheating, money laundering or providing illegal payment services, after a police operation between Aug 29 and Sept 11.

The public should not allow others to use their bank account or mobile lines, as they would be held accountable if these accounts are linked to crimes, the police said.

Close to half a billion dollars were lost to scams

in the first half of 2025, with almost 20,000 cases reported.

Losses totalled $456.4 million between January and June, according to mid-year scam statistics released by the police on Aug 30, down from $522.4 million a year earlier. About 1,000 victims lost more than $100,000 each, up from around 700 victims in the same period in 2024.

For more information on scams, visit

www.scamshield.gov.sg

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