A Singaporean finance professional named Jane, in her 50s, lost her entire life savings, amounting to approximately Rs 7.45 crore (USD $900,000), to sophisticated scammers posing as officials from Singapore Police’s Anti-Scam Centre (ASC). Her ordeal, which spanned over two traumatic months, highlights the escalating threat of impersonation scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
How the Scam Unfolded
Jane’s nightmare began on December 11, 2024, when she received a call from an individual claiming to be an officer from the Anti-Scam Centre. The scammer informed her that her identity card had allegedly been misused, prompting immediate concern.
She was quickly transferred to a man identifying himself as “Inspector Yang,” who falsely accused her of being involved in money laundering. Under the guise of conducting an investigation, “Inspector Yang” demanded Jane’s bank statements and instructed her to maintain absolute secrecy about the ongoing “case.”
Psychological Manipulation and Fake Threats
The scammers escalated their intimidation tactics on December 13 by sending Jane a fraudulent police letter. The letter warned her that she would face charges of money laundering and face detention for 60 days if she failed to comply fully.
A day later, another scammer, identified as “Inspector Chong,” instructed Jane to withdraw Rs 3.1 crore (S$500,000) from her account and deposit it into a new bank account, claiming it was necessary for their “investigation.”
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Emotional Vulnerability Exploited
Jane, overwhelmed by grief due to her father’s recent passing and immense professional stress, succumbed to the pressure. “I was very sick and overloaded with work. I just wanted to give them whatever they wanted so they could close the case,” Jane told reporters during an interview facilitated by police on March 14.
Handing Over Cash to Scammers
Between December 14 and January 3, Jane transferred approximately Rs 1.12 crore (Singapore Dollar $180,000) to multiple bank accounts as directed by the scammers. When her Chinese bank account was unexpectedly suspended on December 20, scammers demanded she withdraw the remaining Rs 1.98 crore (Singapore Dollar $320,000) in cash.
Jane complied, meeting a man posing as an investigator on four separate occasions in central Singapore, ultimately handing over her entire life savings.
Realization and Police Report
Jane repeatedly requested her money back, but the scammers deceitfully informed her the case was under review by the High Court. They eventually ceased all communication on January 24. Realizing she had been deceived, Jane reported the incident to the Pasir Ris Neighborhood Police Centre on February 6, 2025.
Rise of Impersonation Scams Globally and in India
Jane’s case is part of an alarming global trend, mirrored significantly in India. Cybercriminals frequently impersonate law enforcement and government officials to extort money from victims. In India, reports indicate a sharp increase in cases where scammers pose as police or government officials, using fear and authority to trick victims into handing over sensitive financial information or making direct payments. Such scams have cost Indian citizens crores of rupees, highlighting the critical need for enhanced awareness and cybersecurity measures.
Singapore’s Rising Cybercrime Figures
In Singapore alone, 1,504 cases of government official impersonation scams were recorded in 2024, causing cumulative losses of approximately Rs 939 crore (S$151.3 million). Most victims fell within the age group of 50 to 64, and scammers primarily made contact through phone calls and WhatsApp messages.
Prevention Advisory from Authorities
Authorities worldwide, including Singapore and India, urge the public to remain vigilant:
Jane’s story highlights the increasing sophistication and psychological manipulation used by scammers, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and proactive protective measures against such crimes.