ICA, China official impersonation scams: 72 cases since January, at least $6.1m in losses
Since January 2026, about 72 such cases have been reported, resulting in losses of at least $6.1 million.
PHOTO: AsiaOne file
PUBLISHED ONAugust 14, 2026 2:20 PMBYSean LerGovernment official impersonation scams, where scammers pretend to be officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and China, are on the rise.
Police said on Friday (Aug 14) night that they have received at least 72 reports of such cases since January this year, with losses amounting to at least $6.1 million.
In these cases, the victims would receive unsolicited calls from scammers claiming to be from ICA.
They are then told that their details have been misused, or that their phone numbers are linked to criminal activities, such as spreading false rumours or transmitting scam messages.
Those who deny any involvement are then transferred to another scammer claiming to be a China official, who would then demand money for "investigation or bail purposes".
The victims are then instructed to transfer money to bank accounts, or asked to withdraw and hand over the money to the purported China official to facilitate "investigations".
They would only realise that they have been scammed when the scammers became uncontactable, or when victims seek verification from the relevant government agencies.
How to protect yourself
The key when encountering such cases is to stay calm and stop for a moment.
Do not transfer or hand over money and other valuables to any unknown persons, or share sensitive information such as bank card personal identification number with others.
Those who are genuinely concerned that they may be involved in law enforcement-related investigations should contact the relevant agency(s) for verification.
They may also call the ScamShield 24/7 helpline at 1799.
It is important to remember that Singapore Government officials, regardless of agency, will never ask any one to transfer or hand over money, luxury watches, gold or cryptocurrency.
They would also never ask any one to disclose their banking log-in details, transfer calls to the police or other government officials.
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