Replies Scams ● Restriction orders to protect victims will be temporary and a last resort

We thank Forum writers V. Balu (Have trusted family members rather than police manage scam victims' money, Nov 19) and Peter Yan (Proposed Bill the right measure to protect scam victims, Nov 19) for their views on the Protection from Scams Bill.

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As pointed out by Mr Balu, a staggering amount of money has been lost to scams. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is particularly concerned about scams involving self-effected transfers, where individuals willingly transfer monies to scammers. This made up 86 per cent of all scam cases in the first half of 2024. Such scams include love scams, investment scams and government official impersonation scams. Scammers exploit basic human emotions like love or fear, and spend considerable time grooming their victims. Some of the victims have lost their life savings.