Caning among new rules for money mules

Enhanced measures to stop fraudulent use of phone lines, Singpass credentials, bank accounts

- By KINTAN ANDANARI

You come across a job offer in a chat group on an online messaging platform.

The task seems simple: sell them three prepaid SIM cards registered in your name for cash.

Thinking it is easy money, you agree without question. And just like that, you have become a scam mule - and a criminal.

Under Singapore laws, mule-related offences involve the misuse of bank and payment accounts, phone lines, and Singpass credentials to facilitate fraud.

Since Jan 1, anyone giving away SIM cards registered in their names is required to take reasonable steps to find out the recipient's identity and location, and purpose for obtaining it.

Those who knowingly participate in mule activities can face charges, even if they claim ignorance of the law, says Singapore Police Force (SPF) staff officer Ong Li Ying, 27.

Scammers tap on local phone lines to contact potential victims and use local bank accounts to move funds within Singapore and abroad, she explains. They also rely on Singpass credentials to sign up for phone lines or bank accounts, among other services.

Scam mules face discretionary caning of up to 12 strokes under enhanced laws passed on Nov 4 to stop mule activities. Scammers, scam syndicate members and recruiters face mandatory caning of at least six and up to 24 strokes.