Scammers impersonating immigration staff steal S$8.8m from Singapore PR applicants as 148 reports lodged

A Malaysian woman has lost $187,000 after falling victim to scammers who promised Singapore permanent residency. The woman first encountered a Facebook advertisement in December 2025 offering immigration assistance, leading her to contact a Singapore phone number provided in the ad. The scammers initially claimed the application would cost just S$300 (US$236), but the demands for money quickly escalated.

Between May 5 and Aug. 31, the victim made 123 separate transfers from her savings, sending a total of RM762,700 to various bank accounts provided by the suspect. The woman eventually realized she had been defrauded and filed a police report, leading to an investigation. The suspect has been arrested, and if convicted, faces up to 10 years in prison, corporal punishment by whipping, and a fine.

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