Under the proposed law, police can issue restriction orders lasting up to 30 days, renewable five times for a maximum of six months, to block transfers, ATM access, and other account transactions, while still allowing access for legitimate purposes such as bill payments and essential purchases.
The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that Singapore loses approximately S$2 million daily to scams, with 86 percent of victims in the first half of this year voluntarily transferring money to scammers, some persisting even after warnings from police, family members, or banks.
The legislation, which received over 90 percent support during public consultations in August and September, would be a global first in restricting bank accounts of scam victims who stubbornly deny being defrauded despite evidence, though some critics argue for personal responsibility over government intervention.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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