Singapore proposes unprecedented law to stop stubborn victims from sending money to scammers

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With the Protection from Scams Bill introduced in Parliament on Nov 11, Singapore may soon be the first in the world to give the police powers to control the bank accounts of stubborn scam victims, who insist they are not being scammed despite evidence showing they are.

Singapore is losing some $2 million to scams daily.

Numerous anti-scam initiatives have been introduced in recent years, including the “I can ACT against scams” campaign launched in 2023 by the National Crime Prevention Council and Singapore Police Force.

Some felt individuals should bear responsibility for their own actions instead of having the Government intervene in such personal decisions, and others were concerned about the new powers being intrusive and abused.

Qn: To what extent should the state interfere with the private lives of its citizens? (RI Prelim 2024)