Two Men Arrested in Government Official Impersonation Scam, $90K In Cash Involved
Two Singaporean men, aged 30 and 37, will be charged in court for their suspected roles in a government official impersonation scam (GOIS), after allegedly collecting over $90,000 in cash from victims who were misled into believing they were under investigation.
Posing as MAS Officers, Scammers Trick Victims into Surrendering Cash
The scam, uncovered by the Singapore Police Force’s Anti-Scam Command, involved criminals impersonating officers from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). One victim was allegedly told she had been implicated in a financial crime and was instructed to hand over more than S$43,000 for “investigative purposes.” She later passed the cash to the 30-year-old man, believed to be a “cash mule” acting under the scam syndicate’s instructions.
Investigations revealed this was not an isolated case. Just prior to their arrest on 28 July 2025, the same suspect reportedly collected another S$47,000 from a different victim and passed it to the 37-year-old man. This second cash sum was recovered by the authorities at the time of the arrest.
Suspects to Be Charged with Serious Crime Offences
Both men are believed to have been working together to facilitate the criminal operation, acting as intermediaries to help the scam syndicate retain illicit gains. They will be charged under Section 51 of the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine of up to S$500,000, or both.
The Singapore Police Force reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against scam-related offences, warning that anyone involved in such criminal activities — whether directly or as an accomplice — will face serious legal consequences.
Public Urged to Stay Alert and Use ScamShield
To prevent further victimisation, authorities have reminded the public never to hand over money or valuables to strangers — especially those claiming to be government officials without proper verification.
The SPF strongly advises the public to follow the “ADD, CHECK, TELL” protocol:
- ADD: Install the ScamShield app and set transaction alerts with your bank. Activate the “Money Lock” feature to secure a portion of your funds.
- CHECK: Always verify claims with trusted sources. Call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799 or cross-check details through official websites.
- TELL: Inform your family, friends, or the police about any suspicious encounters. Immediate reporting can prevent further loss and help catch scammers.
If you or someone you know may have been targeted by a scam, contact the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness. For urgent police assistance, dial 999.
For more information and updates on scam prevention, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg.