As Singapore prepares to celebrate its SG60 National Day Parade (NDP) on 9 August 2025, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) has issued a public advisory warning against scams involving the illegal sale of NDP tickets on popular platforms such as Telegram and Facebook.

Since the beginning of July, at least five victims have fallen prey to e-commerce scams linked to NDP tickets, collectively losing around S$250. Fraudsters are reportedly creating fake listings online, offering free NDP tickets for sale despite these tickets being non-transferable and officially distributed via a public ballot.

In a typical scam scenario, interested buyers are directed to make payment via PayNow under the promise of receiving physical or e-tickets. After the transfer is made, scammers either cut off communication or vanish entirely, leaving victims with neither tickets nor recourse.

NDP Tickets Are Free – Beware of Fraudulent Sellers

The police have stressed that NDP tickets are not for sale and are strictly distributed for free via the official balloting system on ndp.gov.sg. Any ticket purchased from unauthorised sources is invalid and will not be honoured at the event.

Individuals caught with such tickets risk being denied entry, while sellers may face criminal prosecution. This fraudulent activity falls under the broader category of PayNow scams and digital fraud, both of which have seen a troubling increase in recent years.

To prevent falling victim to these NDP ticket scams or other online frauds, members of the public are advised to remain cautious and verify the legitimacy of all online listings—especially those that seem too good to be true.

Cybercrime Prevention: How to Protect Yourself from Scams

The Singapore Police Force recommends adopting the ACT Against Scams approach:

• ADD: Download the ScamShield app and activate features such as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and scam alerts.
• CHECK: Always verify the seller’s identity and the legitimacy of the offer. Avoid platforms that allow anonymous interactions or unverifiable transactions. Use scamshield.gov.sg to check suspicious messages and numbers.
• TELL: If you suspect a scam, alert authorities immediately. File a police report and inform friends and family to prevent further victimisation.

Anyone with doubts can call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799, which operates 24/7. The Police also encourage all residents to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity involving SG60 NDP tickets or other online scams.

As Singapore marks a significant national milestone, citizens are urged to stay safe, alert, and informed. By working together, we can build a more secure digital environment and enjoy the National Day celebrations without disruption.