Singapore Steps Up Crackdown on Online Scams -

Singapore has introduced new measures requiring messaging platforms to restrict interactions with unknown contacts and social media companies to strengthen advertiser verification, as the city-state steps up efforts to combat online scams.

The rules, which took effect on Aug 18 under the Online Criminal Harms Act, apply to online services considered to pose the highest scam risks in Singapore, according to the police.

Authorities said investment scams remain a major concern on messaging platforms, with fraudsters often approaching victims through previously unknown accounts and offering supposedly lucrative investment opportunities.

Seven services — WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Apple iMessage, Apple FaceTime, Google Messages and Google Meet — must now obtain users’ consent before unknown contacts can add them to groups or channels. The platforms must also alert users to suspicious accounts and provide tools to silence, filter or block unwanted communications.

Separate requirements covering Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will require platforms to block suspected scam advertisements and verify advertisers against government records. Financial services promoted to Singapore users must also be offered by licensed providers.

Singapore police said Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounted for about 30% of all scam cases in 2025, with Facebook alone responsible for around 18%.

E-commerce platforms including Carousell, Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Business will also have to introduce stronger login protections.

Platforms have until Jan 31, 2027, to comply with the new requirements, while measures designed to prevent scammers from impersonating the Singapore government must be implemented by the end of September.

Companies that fail to meet the requirements could face fines of up to S$1 million (US$782,500).

Singapore has intensified its efforts against scams in recent years as losses have mounted. The country recorded more than US$2.8 billion in scam-related losses between 2020 and the first half of 2025, according to Home Affairs Minister Sim Ann. – TS/ERMD

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