SINGAPORE — Parliament has passed a new anti-scam law giving the police greater powers to ask banks, telecommunications companies and other service providers to restrict or disable accounts suspected of being used for scams.
The Scams (Countermeasures) and Other Matters Bill was passed unanimously on Sept 9 following a parliamentary debate in which MPs raised questions about appeals, access to essential funds and safeguards for affected account holders.
Police can disable suspected scam accounts
Under the new legislation, the police can direct a service provider to disable an account when they suspect or have reason to believe that it is being used to facilitate scams.
These Account Disabling Orders, or ADOs, can remain in force for up to 30 days and may be extended once for another period of up to 30 days.
The measures are aimed at stopping suspected scam accounts from continuing to be used while investigations and enforcement action are carried out.
Restrictions can also target suspected scam mules
The law also introduces Service Limitation Orders, or SLOs.
These orders allow the police to request service providers to restrict individuals suspected of using their services to commit or facilitate scams.
According to Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming, first-time suspected scam mules will generally face restrictions lasting one year.
The restrictions may extend to as long as three years for repeat offenders or individuals assessed to pose a higher risk.
Daily expenses will still be accessible
One major concern raised during the debate was whether people affected by banking restrictions would still be able to access money needed for everyday living.
Goh said the measures would not prevent individuals from accessing funds genuinely required for daily expenses.
Those subject to Service Limitation Orders can still carry out banking transactions by visiting a physical bank branch.
The restrictions will primarily affect self-service banking channels such as:
- Internet banking
- Mobile banking
- ATM services
Incoming payments, including salaries and government payouts, will continue to be processed.
Access to funds available through police application
For accounts disabled under an Account Disabling Order, individuals who need money for daily and necessary expenses can apply to the police for access to a reasonable amount of funds.
Authorities will assess such requests before working with banks to enable access where appropriate.
Goh noted, however, that money inside a suspected scam mule’s account may belong to scam victims rather than the account holder.
This means authorities will need to balance an individual’s immediate needs against the need to protect potentially stolen funds.
Account holders can appeal
Individuals affected by Account Disabling Orders or Service Limitation Orders will be able to appeal to the police to have the restrictions lifted.
Goh said appeals would be assessed fairly and as quickly as possible.
More details about the appeal process are expected to be released later.
New measures target scam infrastructure
The legislation is part of Singapore’s wider effort to disrupt the networks and infrastructure used to carry out scams.
The broader Bill also strengthens the Government’s powers to detect and disrupt scam-related activity, including through measures involving service providers and accounts used to facilitate criminal activity.
Scam losses remain a major concern
The new law comes as scams continue to cause significant financial losses in Singapore.
Goh said approximately S$2 million was lost to scams every day during the first half of 2026.
Between January and June, police recorded 16,821 scam cases, with total losses reaching about S$410.6 million.
While these figures were lower than the same period in 2025, scams remain one of Singapore’s most persistent crime concerns.
The bottom line
Singapore has passed a new anti-scam law allowing the police to request banks and other service providers to restrict or disable accounts suspected of being used in scams.
Suspected scam mules may face restrictions ranging from one to three years, while temporarily disabled accounts can be subject to restrictions lasting up to 60 days.
Authorities said safeguards will remain in place to ensure affected individuals can still access money genuinely needed for daily living, while appeals will also be available.
The new measures are designed to strike faster against scam networks and account mules while maintaining safeguards for legitimate account holders and protecting funds that may belong to scam victims.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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