Singapore Cracks Down on Scammers: Caning for Remote Fraud Offenses
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Singapore has taken a bold step to combat its escalating scam problem by introducing a new law that allows for caning as a punishment for convicted scammers. According to the revised law, scammers found guilty of “cheating by remote communication” can face a minimum of six strokes of the cane, with sentences going up to 24 strokes for severe offenses. This measure aims to deter scammers and bring down the country's rising scam-related losses. The scale of Singapore's scam problem is alarming, with reported losses totaling around S$3.8 billion (US$2.9 billion) since 2020. Last year alone, losses reached a record S$1.1 billion, and in the first half of 2025, nearly 20,000 cases were logged, with losses hitting S$456 million. Scams now account for about 60% of all reported crime in Singapore. The law applies only to male offenders under 50, in line with existing guidelines for corporal punishment. Authorities also warn that individuals who provide bank accounts or SIM cards to scammers, known as money mules, may face up to 12 strokes. Singapore is not the only country intensifying its response to scams. China has used large-scale monitoring tools to intercept scam calls and messages, conducting millions of in-person warnings to potential victims. The effectiveness of caning as a deterrent remains uncertain, but the government's intention is clear: to make scams far more costly for those involved. The law is set to come into effect soon, and authorities will be closely monitoring its impact on the country's scam problem.
