A 64-year-old man in Singapore has found himself the victim of suspected voucher theft after realising that a large portion of his SG60 vouchers had allegedly been spent by someone else. The shocking discovery has prompted police investigations, with over S$400 of the vouchers reportedly misused by an unknown individual.
Attempt to Use Vouchers Uncovers Shocking Misuse
Mr Li (name transliterated), a Chinatown resident, first grew suspicious when one of his SG60 vouchers was rejected at a Sheng Siong supermarket on 6 July 2025. Staff informed him that the voucher had already been used — a revelation that prompted him to visit the Kreta Ayer Community Club (CC), where he originally collected the vouchers, reported Shin Min Daily News.
The SG60 vouchers were part of a nationwide scheme to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year of independence, with each eligible senior citizen receiving up to S$800 worth of vouchers. Mr Li had opted for physical printed copies for easier use, which he collected with his wife on 2 July.
After confirming with his two sons that neither had used the vouchers, Mr Li lodged a police report on 7 July. Upon checking his Singpass transaction records with the assistance of a police officer, he was shocked to learn that S$417 worth of vouchers had already been spent by someone else.
Vouchers Used at Hawker Centres, Supermarkets & TCM Shops
The transaction records revealed that the unauthorised use of the vouchers began as early as 3 July — just a day after the vouchers were collected. They were used at multiple locations across Singapore, including Redhill Food Centre, Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, and even a FairPrice outlet on 12 July.
Items allegedly bought using the stolen vouchers ranged from economy rice and fishball noodles to nasi lemak and buns, suggesting that the perpetrator may have been using them for daily meals. Shockingly, the person even spent S$84 at a traditional Chinese medicine shop at Jalan Kukoh.
Despite living near Hong Lim Complex, Mr Li noted that many transactions were made at locations far from his home, increasing suspicions that his vouchers had somehow fallen into the wrong hands.
No Online Redemption or Link Sharing
According to Mr Li, neither he nor his wife had redeemed the vouchers online, nor had they shared any links or QR codes publicly. He also stressed that the physical voucher copies were securely kept with them. The couple remain baffled as to how a third party managed to gain access and use the vouchers multiple times.
In an effort to identify the culprit, Mr Li visited one of the shops where his vouchers had been used. He requested to view CCTV footage, but was told by the shop assistant that only enforcement officers could access the recordings.
Police Confirm Investigation Underway
The Singapore Police Force has confirmed to Shin Min Daily News that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing. Mr Li has returned to the station multiple times to provide statements and hopes authorities will act swiftly to identify the individual responsible.
This incident raises broader concerns about the security of voucher distribution systems, especially when physical copies are involved. While the SG60 vouchers are a well-intended gesture to celebrate the nation’s milestone, this case highlights the potential vulnerabilities in their implementation.