Singapore to Bar Scam Mules From Bank, Phone, and Singpass Access
New Restrictions Target Scam Mules
Singapore is stepping up its fight against scams by barring individuals involved in mule-related offences from accessing critical services such as banking, telecommunications, and national identity systems. From October, those warned, prosecuted, convicted, or under investigation for facilitating scams will be blocked from registering new phone lines and may face restrictions on banking access and authentication services including Singpass and Corppass.
The measures are being introduced by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and GovTech. The agencies said scammers rely heavily on mule accounts — bank, payment, identity, or telecom facilities supplied by locals and reach victims. By cutting off these access points, authorities aim to disrupt syndicates’ operations and reduce losses.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Singapore recorded 19,665 scam cases with total losses of S$619 million ($456.4m). Officials stressed that repeat offenders are a major hardy, with 15% of mule-related telephone subscribers in 2025 being repeat offenders and over 11,000 lines tied to scams.
Investor Takeaway
How Scam Mules Exploit Banking and Telecom Services
Authorities say scammers use mule-provided bank accounts to transfer stolen funds via internet banking, PayNow, card transactions, and ATM withdrawals. Tight controls on the official flows, allowing syndicates to exploit arbitrage opportunities. Mobile lines are equally critical, used not only to contact victims but also to set up social media accounts that widen scammers’ reach.
Police highlighted that many repeat offenders continue applying for new phone lines despite being under investigation, tradeing them to scammers to generate illicit income. The SPF has also observed a rise in scam lines registered by corporate entities, making detection more complex. National authentication services such as Singpass and Corppass are also being misused to open accounts and incorporate shell firms.
“The police fully intend to take firmer and stronger action against mules who facilitate scams of fellow Singaporeans,” the agencies said in a joint statement. “The facility restriction framework ensures that persons who had facilitated scams previously cannot easily again access services that could facilitate yet more scams.”
Legal Framework and Stronger Penalties
The restrictions will apply retroactively to individuals previously warned or convicted, as well as those under investigation. Duration and severity will vary depending on the level of risk posed. Offenders will have the right to appeal, but repeat violators may also face judicial penalties including imprisonment.
Singapore has already strengthened its legal framework against scams. Since 2023, disclosing Singpass credentials with knowledge they might be misused has been criminalized, with penalties of up to three years’ jail and a S$10,000 fine. In addition, the Protection from Scams Act, passed earlier this year, empowers police to seize bank accounts and block transactions if they suspect a person is being scammed—even if the account holder disagrees. The freeze can last up to 30 days and be extended five times.
While lawmakers voiced concerns about abuse of power and intrusiveness, the Ministry of Home Affairs defended the law as necessary to stem losses that hit S$1.1 billion ($860m) in 2024, when more than 50,000 scams were reported. The number of scams has risen sharply from around 15,600 cases in 2020, reflecting the growing sophistication of fraud syndicates.
Investor Takeaway
Scam Epidemic Drives Policy Response
Job scams, e-commerce fraud, and investment swindles remain the most common forms of scam in Singapore, but so-called internet love scams have also surged, with fraudsters cultivating long-term online relationships before extracting money. Authorities for nahead half of all crimes in Singapore, creating mounting pressure for regulators to act decisively.
Singapore’s measures are part of a broader push across Asia to stem financial crime. By targeting the facilities scammers depend on, the city-state hopes to protect consumers while setting a precedent for digital identity and financial system secureguards. Whether the restrictions can fully curb repeat offenders remains uncertain, but the policy signals that tolerance for mule activity has reached its limit.
