Alleged Beggars Targeting Elderly in Chinatown, Residents Urged to Stay Alert
Please beware! Numerous reports have surfaced about two women, believed to be Chinese nationals, who have been spotted approaching elderly individuals for money in Singapore’s Chinatown. Witnesses say the women appear to be focusing on older men, engaging them in genial conversation before allegedly asking for cash. Concerned citizens reported that when attempts were made to photograph them, the women quickly took money from an elderly man and disappeared.
A netizen named Tan Lye Huat shared his encounter, saying, “I encountered the same thing at Jalan Kayu. She approached me asking whether I had loose change. Once I told her I don’t carry cash, she walked away.”
Multiple Sightings Across Singapore Spark Worry
The conversation has since exploded online, with many Singaporeans recounting similar experiences in areas such as Bukit Gombak, Tampines, Paya Lebar, Clementi, Jurong, and Geylang. Social media user Elly Gwee warned, “There’s a lot of them out there…it looks like a syndicate going around.” Others noted that these alleged scammers never stay in one location for long, moving on after collecting money to avoid detection.
One resident, Melinda Sheikh, shared a chilling incident near Tampines MRT: “I saw two Chinese women pointing at an uncle inside the ATM booth. When he came out, they kept touching his hand and elbow. Luckily, he told them off loudly, and they ran away.”
Community Calls for Police Intervention
Comments urging action poured in. Users like Pl Wong and Ron Shir Tng Fern stressed the need to report these activities to the police immediately. Adrien Ichiban suggested using the suspects’ phones to call the police, allowing authorities to track them. Another resident, Del LeeAnn, highlighted a worrying pattern: “They must know Singaporean elderly receive CPF payouts at 55 and target them. Terrible people…hope more will know and stay cautious.”
Several netizens also described tactics used by these individuals, including claiming to be lost tourists or inventing sob stories about losing wallets. Tony Tan Ah Hock warned that People’s Park Food Centre has become a hotspot: “Some old folk give them $50! They usually approach alone, then their gang comes later.”
Authorities Remind Public of the Law on Begging
Under Singapore’s Destitute Persons Act 1989, habitual begging—defined as begging at least twice in public—can result in fines up to S$3,000 or jail terms of up to two years. Mr Cai, a Hong Lim Complex stallholder, noted that foreign individuals asking for money had previously been a problem in the area and warned that the resurgence of such activities could tarnish Chinatown’s image.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour to the Singapore Police Force promptly. Community awareness remains crucial in preventing elderly scams and protecting vulnerable individuals from falling victim to these alleged schemes.