Proposed legislation aims to protect scam victims who refuse help, but some argue it’s too intrusive.
Singapore is considering a bold new approach to protect scam victims who stubbornly refuse assistance. On November 11, the government introduced the Protection from Scams Bill, which grants police the power to impose restriction orders (ROs) on scam victims. These orders would restrict individuals from making certain banking transactions, such as transfers, ATM withdrawals, and credit usage, while allowing them a small “allowance” for essential expenses.
The goal is to prevent victims from losing more money when they are too emotionally manipulated to recognize the scam. However, the measure has sparked debates over its intrusiveness. Some see it as paternalistic, arguing that it undermines personal autonomy, while others view it as necessary to address the growing threat of scams.
Since 2019, scams have cost Singaporeans more than $2.7 billion, with a sharp rise in losses in 2024. Experts argue that the scale of these scams has become a social crisis, demanding urgent intervention. Sociologist Tan Ern Ser believes that while the law is intrusive, it may be necessary to prevent victims from continuing down a path of self-destruction.
Psychologists highlight that scammers use psychological tactics, such as exploiting emotions like love and fear, to manipulate their victims into irrational decisions. For example, victims of love scams may become so emotionally involved that they refuse to trust authorities, even when the scam is exposed.
The bill is seen as a last-resort intervention by the state, with the aim of protecting citizens from harm. However, many critics argue that the state should not interfere in matters where victims are reluctant to accept help. The proposed law is a significant step in Singapore’s ongoing fight against scams, but it raises questions about the balance between individual freedom and state intervention for public welfare.
