You Got Scammed in Singapore. What to Do Next, Step by Step

Scammed? Freeze your bank account first, then report it to the police.

The first hour decides how much you lose. Save these numbers now and use them in this order.

1. Stop talking

Block the scammer's number. If you need the chat for your police report, screenshot it first, then block.

Do not pay "one more fee" to unlock a refund or release a loan. That request is the next stage of the scam. Do not confirm your name, address or ID to "verify" anything.

2. Call your bank

Call your bank's fraud hotline and ask it to freeze your account and cards. This step saves the most money, so do it before anything else.

DBS customers can dial 1800 339 6963 in Singapore, or +65 6339 6963 from overseas, and ask for the Safety Switch. It locks digibank, PayLah! and your cards in one call.

Other banks print the same kind of hotline on the back of your ATM or debit card. Our guide to opening a Singapore bank account has the POSB and DBS app steps.

Once the account is frozen, change your online banking password and PIN from a device the scammer has never touched.

3. Report it

Keep the reference number the police give you. Your bank will ask for it.

Scammers run this as a full-time operation, with scripts and shift schedules. Filing a report does not make you look foolish.

4. Singpass and apps

Reset your Singpass at singpass.gov.sg.

If a scammer had you install anything (a "verification" app, TeamViewer, AnyDesk), delete it and restart your phone before you touch banking apps again.

The ScamShield app flags known scam numbers and messages. Our guide to installing it walks through the setup.

Helpers and pass holders

Watch for fake agencies threatening to cancel your pass, fake "PH Embassy" texts asking for a fee, and callers claiming to be immigration. MOM and ICA do not work that way, and no government office asks for payment over SMS or a call.

If your employer or agency harasses you over money or your contract, call the Centre for Domestic Employees' free 24-hour line at 1800-2255-233 (1800-CALL-CDE). Our guide to that helpline explains what they can do.

For immigration, police or court matters that need the Embassy, Assistance to Nationals answers urgent cases at +65 9072 2797.

After the shock

Shaking hands and replaying the message on a loop are normal reactions to shock.

Tell one person you trust what happened. Write down the timeline while it is fresh: the messages, the amounts, the numbers you called. Your report needs it. Eat something and drink water even if you do not feel hungry.

Expect the scammers to come back as police, a lawyer or a "recovery agent" who can get your money back for a fee. That is also a scam. No legitimate authority charges you to return stolen money.

Crisis lines

If you cannot sleep or eat, or the thoughts turn dark, reach out tonight:

• Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767, free and 24 hours, or WhatsApp CareText at 9151-1767
• National Mindline: 1771, free and 24 hours, WhatsApp at +65 6669 1771, or webchat at mindline.sg

Our guide to burnout and mental health support for Filipinas abroad lists more Filipino-friendly options. You can also message the FIS Facebook page or write to hello@filipinos.sg. We read every message.

Check before you rely on it

Hotline numbers, bank procedures and fees can change. Confirm anything critical on the ScamShield, Singapore Police or your bank's own website.

Bookmark our map of scams targeting Filipinos in Singapore, from fake loans to job offers to package delivery texts.

Photo: Unsplash / Wikimedia Commons.