Overall scam cases, losses in Singapore fall in first half of 2026

Singapore saw a decline in scam cases and losses during the first half of 2026, according to data released by the police. A total of 16,821 scam cases were reported, a 14.4 percent decrease from the same period in 2025. The financial losses from scams also dropped by 17.9 percent, amounting to approximately S$410.6 million (US$320 million).

Cryptocurrency scams accounted for 16 percent of all scam losses, down 43 percent compared to the previous year. However, scams remained the most prevalent crime type in Singapore, making up 91.5 percent of the 18,391 scam and cybercrime cases. E-commerce scams were the most common, with a 19.3 percent increase to 3,865 cases, resulting in a 18.9 percent rise in losses to about S$8.3 million.

Pokemon trading cards were the primary item involved, with related cases increasing by 116.8 percent to 605 and losses surging 172.4 percent to S$1.2 million. Investment scams caused the greatest financial damage, with victims losing S$169.8 million across 2,256 cases. Scammers were impersonating entities like National University of Singapore and online brokerage Moomoo in investment scams.

Government officials impersonation scams recorded second-highest losses at S$90.8 million, down 31.7 percent from the previous year. Business email compromise scams also saw a sharp increase, with losses jumping 193.1 percent to S$57.3 million and cases rising 67.9 percent to 262. Social media impersonation scams rose by 47.9 percent to 587 cases, with losses increasing 71.3 percent to S$3.9 million.

Phishing scams remained the second most common, with S$9.6 million lost across 3,104 cases, driven by messages impersonating courier companies.