Common Money Scams in Singapore That Filipinos Should Watch Out For

The most common money scams in Singapore that hit Filipinos are phishing texts, fake officials, investment and romance scams, fake jobs and loans, and dodgy remitters. Scams are the largest category of crime reported in Singapore.

Pair this guide with our loan shark and fake loan scams guide and what to do if you got scammed by a fake loan offer.

1. Phishing SMS and messaging scams

An SMS or WhatsApp says "Your Singpass account will be suspended", "Your parcel is held, pay SGD 2 redelivery", "ICA: your pass is under review" or "You have a reward waiting".

The fake link opens a login page or installs an app that can drain your bank account.

Rule: ICA, MOM, IRAS, Singpass and HDB do not ask for logins or payment via SMS links. Open the official app or website instead, and use the ScamShield app to filter these texts: scamshield.gov.sg.

2. Government agency impersonation scams

A caller posing as the Singapore Police, ICA, MOM, the courts or an "anti-money laundering unit" says your pass will be cancelled or you are linked to a crime, and demands money to "clear your name".

Rule: Singapore authorities never ask you to transfer money, share OTPs or move cash to a "safe account". Hang up and verify on police.gov.sg and mom.gov.sg.

3. Philippine agency impersonation scams

A message posing as the Philippine Embassy, DMW, SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth or BIR asks for an urgent fee or OTP.

Rule: these agencies never ask for payments or OTPs via Messenger, Viber or SMS. Verify on philippine-embassy.org.sg and dmw.gov.ph.

4. Investment and "get rich" scams

Guaranteed high returns from crypto, forex, offshore trading or farm schemes, pushed on Facebook, TikTok, Telegram or by a long-lost "old friend".

Red flags: guaranteed returns, pressure to join a "group", complicated withdrawal rules, no MAS licence.

Rule: MAS regulates legitimate investment providers. Check licensed entities and the MAS Investor Alert List on mas.gov.sg.

5. Romance and "dating app" scams

Someone on Tinder, Facebook or a random DM builds trust over weeks, then needs money for a business deal, medical emergency or customs fee.

Watch for: brief or no video calls, a too-polished profile, a fast move to private chat, small favours before big ones, a shifting story.

Rule: never send money to someone you have not met in person. This scam has cost OFWs hundreds of thousands.

6. E-commerce and marketplace scams

Fake listings on Facebook Marketplace, Carousell or Instagram: you pay by PayNow or bank transfer, then the seller vanishes or the item is fake.

Rule: use in-app or escrowed payment, meet in person for high-value items, and avoid sellers who want full bank transfer before delivery.

7. Job and employment scams

• A Singapore job asking you to pay placement, "training" or visa fees upfront.
• Offers that look Singapore-based but route payments overseas.
• "Work from home for XXXX daily" schemes.
• Offers with no In-Principle Approval (IPA) or proper contract.

Rule: legitimate employers apply for your Work Permit, S Pass or EP through MOM. Verify your IPA on mom.gov.sg, and check Philippine recruitment agencies on dmw.gov.ph. See how to avoid fake job offers in Singapore.

8. Loan scams and fake money lenders

Unsolicited SMS or WhatsApp loan offers pose as licensed lenders, ask for "processing fees", then harass you at exorbitant rates.

Rule: the Ministry of Law lists licensed moneylenders at mlaw.gov.sg. They may not solicit via SMS or WhatsApp. Full details in our loan shark and fake loan scams article.

9. Remittance-related scams

Fake remittance apps, unlicensed "friend-of-a-friend" remitters and too-good exchange rates in Facebook groups.

Rule: use only MAS-licensed remittance providers listed on mas.gov.sg. More in how to send money to the Philippines with lower fees.

10. Pyramid, MLM, and "sure income" schemes

Pay to join, recruit others, earn from recruits. Most forms are illegal.

Rule: if income depends on recruiting, not on selling a real product to real customers, walk away.

If you've been scammed

1. Stop sending money or information. Ignore any "recovery" service that approaches you; that is often scam round two.
2. Call your bank's 24-hour fraud hotline if your accounts are at risk.
3. Report to the police via police.gov.sg and through ScamShield at scamshield.gov.sg. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
4. For job or pass scams, contact MOM via mom.gov.sg. For remittance or MAS-licensed providers, report via mas.gov.sg.
5. For Philippine-side reports, contact the Philippine Embassy Singapore via philippine-embassy.org.sg and the DMW via dmw.gov.ph.
6. Save screenshots, chats, transfer references and SMS as evidence.

When it feels urgent: pause

Most OFWs who get scammed here were tired, rushed or emotional when they clicked. Never share OTPs, even with "your bank". If a message, call or offer creates urgency, pause for ten minutes and ask a trusted Filipino community group before you pay or send anything.

Last reviewed April 2026. Scam tactics evolve. Always cross-check with the official Singapore Police, ScamShield, and MAS sources linked above for the latest warnings.