Police Can Now Control Bank Accounts of Stubborn Scam Victims Under Act

The police will now have powers to control the bank accounts of stubborn scam victims in Singapore who insist they are not being scammed despite evidence showing otherwise.

- Nadine Chua

With the Protection from Scams Act coming into effect on July 1, the police will be allowed to issue restriction orders (ROs) to banks, which will then limit the banking transactions of an individual's accounts.

The Act, which was passed in Parliament on Jan 7, will enable the police to better protect scam victims by stopping them from transferring money into other accounts, using ATMs, and accessing credit services. In-person and over-the-counter transactions will also be restricted.

Those subjected to an RO will still have access to money for legitimate reasons, including paying bills and buying daily essentials like groceries.

On June 30, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said ROs will be issued if it is believed these scam victims will transfer money to scammers.