Singapore Considers Caning for Scam Offences as Losses Hit Record $1.1 Billion in

In a stark response to the escalating scourge of scams, which saw Singaporeans lose a record $1.1 billion in 2024 alone, the government is contemplating the introduction of caning as a punishment for certain scam-related offences. This punitive measure, floated during a parliamentary debate on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) budget, reflects the growing frustration over the devastating impact of cybercrime on individuals and society. Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling acknowledged the “serious harm” caused by scams, indicating openness to the suggestion while highlighting existing tough penalties.

The proposal, raised by Dr Tan Wu Meng, a Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC, comes against a backdrop of mounting public anger. Dr Tan recounted the plight of a Clementi resident who lost her life savings to a scam, now facing bankruptcy and potential unemployment. “If you mess with our people, make off with the life savings of Singaporeans, we must do everything in our power to teach the scammers a lesson they won’t forget,” he urged during the debate on 3 March 2025. His call for caning draws a parallel with penalties under the Moneylenders Act, where assisting unlicensed moneylenders can result in up to six strokes of the cane alongside hefty fines and jail terms.

Since 2019, scam victims in Singapore have lost over $3.4 billion, with 2024 marking the first year losses surpassed the $1 billion threshold. This alarming trend has prompted the government to intensify its crackdown on both scammers and their enablers, such as money mules—individuals who allow their bank accounts to be used for illicit transactions. In August 2024, the Sentencing Advisory Panel recommended a minimum six-month jail term for money mules, a step up from previous penalties that often included only fines. Courts have since aligned with these guidelines, consistently imposing custodial sentences.

A Multi-Pronged Offensive Against Cybercrime

Beyond punitive measures, Singapore is bolstering its legislative and technological arsenal to combat scams. New laws effective from 1 January 2025 target the misuse of local SIM cards, often exploited by criminal syndicates to bypass blocks on overseas scam calls and messages. Offences such as selling registered SIM cards for profit or possessing unregistered cards without legitimate reason now carry penalties of up to three years in jail and fines of $10,000. Ms Sun described so-called “SIM-card mules” as not merely abetting crime but “helping to destroy lives.”

The MHA is also enhancing collaboration with financial institutions. In 2025, police will share more data on known money mule accounts with banks, enabling the identification of additional suspicious accounts. This move aims to disrupt the financial pipelines that sustain scam operations, which Ms Sun described as “highly organised and sophisticated criminal networks” that continuously adapt their tactics.

Online platforms, often the breeding ground for scams, are under scrutiny as well. Telegram, in particular, has drawn ire for its anonymity features, which scammers exploit. Reported scams on the platform nearly doubled in 2024, prompting Ms Sun to urge Telegram to adopt stronger user verification measures. “If necessary, we will consider very serious actions against Telegram to ensure they do not harm local citizens further,” she warned, noting that other countries face similar challenges with the platform. Beyond scams, Telegram has been linked to the proliferation of drugs and non-consensual sexual content, amplifying calls for stricter oversight.

In contrast, platforms like Carousell and Meta (which owns Facebook) have shown responsiveness to new regulatory codes introduced in June 2024. The Online Communication Code and E-Commerce Code mandate social media and e-commerce platforms to implement anti-scam measures, such as enhanced verification for risky sellers and advertisers. Over six months in 2024, these efforts yielded a 10% drop in e-commerce scams on Carousell and a striking 60% reduction on Facebook Marketplace. Yet, challenges persist, as evidenced by MP Mariam Jaafar’s experience with a fake Facebook page impersonating her, which the platform initially declined to remove despite residents receiving fraudulent requests for personal information.

Caning: A Deterrent or a Step Too Far?

The suggestion of caning for scam-related offences has sparked debate about balancing deterrence with proportionality. Caning, a corporal punishment rooted in Singapore’s legal system, is already prescribed for serious crimes like drug trafficking and violent offences. Its application to financial crimes under the Moneylenders Act sets a precedent, as Dr Tan highlighted: a loan shark runner handling $10,000 can be caned, while a scammer absconding with $100,000 of a victim’s savings currently faces no such penalty. “Are we too soft on scammers?” he asked, advocating for a clear message of zero tolerance.

Proponents argue that the psychological and physical impact of caning could serve as a powerful deterrent, especially for money mules who may view fines or short jail terms as a tolerable cost of doing business. The emotional and financial ruin faced by victims—often vulnerable individuals like the elderly—lends weight to calls for harsher penalties. If implemented, caning could target repeat offenders or those involved in large-scale scams, aligning with the government’s broader strategy of escalating consequences for cybercrime.

However, critics caution against over-reliance on punitive measures. Caning, while culturally accepted in Singapore, may draw international scrutiny for its severity, particularly when applied to non-violent offences. Moreover, the root causes of scam involvement—such as economic desperation driving individuals to become money mules—may not be addressed by corporal punishment alone. Education, public awareness campaigns, and improved digital literacy could complement legal reforms, reducing the pool of potential accomplices and victims.

The Broader Regional Context

Singapore’s battle against scams is not an isolated struggle. Across South East Asia, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines grapple with similar challenges as cybercrime syndicates operate transnationally, often based in less-regulated jurisdictions. In Thailand, for instance, scam call centres in border regions have targeted victims globally, prompting joint operations with neighbouring states. Singapore’s proactive stance—combining legislative reforms, platform accountability, and potential corporal punishment—could serve as a model, though its strict legal framework and robust enforcement capacity are not easily replicated elsewhere.

The anonymity of digital platforms exacerbates the problem region-wide. Telegram’s role in facilitating scams echoes concerns in Indonesia and Vietnam, where encrypted messaging apps are used for everything from phishing to human trafficking scams. Singapore’s push for platform accountability, backed by the threat of “serious actions,” may encourage a regional dialogue on regulating tech giants, though enforcement remains a hurdle when companies operate beyond local jurisdiction.

A Relentless Fight Ahead

As scam losses continue to climb, Singapore’s government has signalled an unwavering commitment to tackling the crisis. “We will continue to respond aggressively to this challenge,” Ms Sun affirmed, encapsulating a multi-faceted strategy that spans tougher sentencing, technological interventions, and international cooperation. The consideration of caning, while controversial, underscores the urgency of protecting citizens from financial devastation.

For now, the proposal remains under review, with no timeline for legislative changes. If adopted, it would mark a significant escalation in Singapore’s war on scams, sending a stark warning to perpetrators. Yet, as criminal tactics evolve, so too must preventive measures—ensuring that deterrence does not outpace efforts to address systemic vulnerabilities. With $3.4 billion lost since 2019, the stakes could not be higher for a nation determined to safeguard its people from the shadows of the digital age.