PUBLISHED ONAugust 26, 2026 9:53 AMBYSean LerReceived an email, message or letter asking for payment over a detained individual?
Stop, and do not make any payment or share any personal or banking information, or you could be the next victim of scam.
The Singapore Customs said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Aug 26) that scammers are impersonating its officers and claiming that an individual has been detained at Changi Airport.
They would also allege that the individual is carrying a large quantity of expensive jewellery, watches, cash and other valuables.
Scammers may then demand payment to "release" the individual, adding that payment will be refunded upon completion of investigations.
"This is a scam," Singapore Customs warned.
It urged members of the public who receive such notices to call the ScamShield helpline at 1799 to check.
On Aug 14, the police also alerted members of the public to Government official impersonation scams, where scammers pretend to be officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and China.
Victims of these scams were told to transfer money to bank accounts, or asked to withdraw and hand over the money to purported Chinese officials to facilitate "investigations".
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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