Scams, Fraud & Money Recovery
After a scam in Singapore: call ScamShield 1799 / SPF Anti-Scam Centre, claim a refund under MAS Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF, in force 16 Dec 2024) for phishing scams, and escalate free to FIDReC if your bank refuses.
Covered in this guide:
Singapore's scam-recovery system has tightened materially since 2024. SPF's Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) operates rapid response to freeze tainted bank accounts; the ScamShield helpline 1799 provides anti-scam advice. The statutory framework for cybercrime is the Computer Misuse Act and Penal Code offences. Critically: the MAS / IMDA Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) for Phishing Scams came into force on 16 December 2024. SRF assigns specific anti-scam obligations to banks and telcos. Where the obligations are breached and a phishing scam occurs, banks and telcos may be required to share losses with the consumer. For bank disputes, FIDReC (Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre) handles complaints free for retail customers.
Emergency: 999. Anti-Scam Helpline: 1799 (ScamShield). MAS hotline: 1800-377-2255.
Key Laws
Computer Misuse Act 1993 (Singapore)
Cap. 50A; substantially amended in recent years
Unauthorised access (s.3 — up to 2 years / SGD 5,000), modification (s.5), interception (s.6), unauthorised use or interception (s.7), abetting (s.10). Aggravated cases up to 7 years.
MAS / IMDA Shared Responsibility Framework for Phishing Scams
In force 16 December 2024
First-of-its-kind framework in Asia. Sets specific anti-scam obligations on banks and telcos (e.g., 12-hour cooling-off period for high-risk activities; near-real-time outgoing-transaction alerts; kill switch). Where the obligations are breached and a phishing scam occurs, losses may be shared between bank, telco, and consumer.
Payment Services Act 2019
Act 2 of 2019
Regulatory framework for payment service providers in Singapore. Singapore did not adopt PSD2's mandatory unauthorised-transaction-refund regime; recovery depends on the SRF (for phishing) and bank discretion + FIDReC.
Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC)
Independent industry-supported dispute-resolution body
Free for retail consumers. Mediation + adjudication. Award cap SGD 100,000 for most banking / insurance complaints. Binding on the firm if accepted by complainant.
First 24 Hours After Being Scammed
Three jobs in parallel. Call your bank's fraud line — SPF ASC works directly with major Singapore banks to freeze tainted recipient accounts when promptly reported, and the Shared Responsibility Frame...
Reporting Cybercrime to SPF / Anti-Scam Centre
Singapore's primary cybercrime channel is the Singapore Police Force (SPF) via police.gov.sg, with rapid response coordinated by the Anti-Scam Centre. For cybersecurity incidents (not consumer scams),...
Recovering Money from a Singapore Bank via FIDReC and SRF
Singapore's money-recovery framework is two-step. Step 1: bank Internal Dispute Resolution + SRF analysis (for phishing scams). The SRF (in force 16 Dec 2024) sets specific anti-scam obligations on ba...