Global Scam Series 2025

Singapore Scams 2025: A High-Tech Nation's Battle Against Sophisticated Fraud

ScamWatchHQ

18 Oct 2025 — 12 min read

Executive Summary

Despite being one of the world's most digitally advanced and safest nations, Singapore faces a severe scam crisis that claimed over S$1.1 billion (US$858 million) from its citizens in 2024—equivalent to one successful scam every ten minutes. The first half of 2025 has shown both progress and persistent challenges, with S$456 million lost despite a 26% decrease in total cases. Singapore's response combines cutting-edge technology, aggressive legislation including the groundbreaking Protection from Scams Act, and unprecedented cross-sector collaboration. Yet as scammers increasingly weaponize AI and exploit cryptocurrency anonymity, the city-state's battle is far from over.

The Singapore Scam Landscape: 2025 Statistics

The numbers reveal both progress and ongoing vulnerability:

First Half 2025 (H1 2025)

Total Cases: 22,476 scam and cybercrime cases (21.5% decrease from 2024)
Scam-Specific Cases: 19,665 scams (26% decrease from 26,563 in H1 2024)
Total Losses: S$456.4 million (12.6% decrease from S$522.4 million)
Median Loss: Increased from S$1,100 to S$1,500 per case
Frequency: Still occurring at an alarming rate despite reductions

2024 Full Year

Total Cases: 51,501 reported scams (triple the figure from four years prior)
Total Losses: S$1.1 billion (US$858 million)
Frequency: One scam every 10 minutes throughout the year

Critical Insight

While total case numbers and losses have decreased—suggesting prevention measures are working—the median loss per victim has risen by 36%. This indicates scammers are successfully targeting higher-value victims or extracting more money per successful scam.

Top Scam Types Targeting Singaporeans

1. Investment Scams: The Billion-Dollar Threat

Investment scams caused the biggest losses in H1 2025:

H1 2025 Losses: S$145.4 million (31.8% of total losses) January-February 2025 Alone: S$36.2 million lost in approximately 470 cases

Primary Contact Methods:

Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram)
Messaging apps (Telegram, WhatsApp)
Dating apps (including Coffee Meets Bagel)

The Digital Arrest Nightmare: India Loses ₹22,845 Crore in AI-Powered Scam Revolution

Executive Summary India is experiencing an unprecedented cybercrime catastrophe. In 2024 alone, Indians lost a staggering ₹22,845 crore ($2.7 billion) to cyber frauds—a shocking 206% increase from the previous year. As October 2025 draws to a close, the crisis shows no signs of slowing. The country is

Canada Scams 2025: The $638 Million Crisis – How Impersonation Fraud is Reshaping Canadian Cybercrime

Executive Summary Canada is experiencing a fraud epidemic of staggering proportions as 2025 progresses, with criminals exploiting advanced AI technology, social engineering tactics, and systemic vulnerabilities to defraud Canadians of hundreds of millions of dollars. The nation lost $638 million to fraud in 2024 alone, with an additional $342 million

Australia Scams 2025: Innovation in Crime Meets National Defense Response

Executive Summary Australia is experiencing a scam crisis of unprecedented proportions, with Australians losing over $2 billion in 2024 and reporting losses of $119 million in just the first four months of 2025. While the National Anti-Scam Centre and coordinated government-industry efforts have achieved some victories, scammers continue to innovate,

The R2.2 Billion Breach: Africa's Cybercrime Capital Fights Back

Executive Summary South Africa has emerged as one of the world's most targeted cybercrime hotspots, with the nation hemorrhaging R2.2 billion ($118 million) annually to an escalating fraud crisis that has reached catastrophic proportions. In a year marked by unprecedented digital transformation and economic vulnerability, South Africans