Singapore authorities unveiled a “facility restriction framework” that will limit scam mules’ access to services frequently abused in fraud—digital banking, card/ATM usage, and mobile line subscriptions—with Singpass/Corppass limits to follow in later phases. The first phase begins October 2025. Officials cited 19,665 scam cases and S$456.4 million in losses in H1 2025 as context. Affected individuals include those previously warned, compounded, prosecuted or convicted, and certain persons under investigation who are assessed to pose ongoing risk. Appeals will be handled by the Singapore Police Force.
Editor’s note: Educational news coverage. Measures target facilitation of scams; individuals retain avenues for appeal.
What’s new
Four agencies—the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and GovTech—announced a joint framework to restrict access to facilities commonly misused by scam mules. The framework takes effect in phases from October 2025, starting with banking and telecoms. Later phases will address Singpass/Corppass usage for high-risk registrations (e.g., account opening). Authorities framed the move as a necessary escalation to break the operational backbone of scams—local accounts, lines and credentials.
Why now: the numbers
In the first half of 2025, Singapore recorded 19,665 scam cases with S$456.4 million in losses, according to official briefings cited by multiple outlets. While enforcement has intensified, agencies note a persistent pattern: some individuals repeatedly rent or sell their bank accounts and phone lines to syndicates. Close to 15% of telephone line subscribers flagged this year for mule activity were repeat offenders.
What restrictions look like (Phase 1)
Under the initial rollout, a person designated under the framework may face:
- Restrictions on banking access, covering digital channels (internet/mobile banking), card-based transactions, and ATM usage;
- Prohibition on subscribing to new mobile lines;
- Case-by-case calibration of duration and scope, balancing risk with basic financial and communications needs. Authorities said SPF will notify affected individuals and handle appeals.
Who could be restricted
The framework can apply to:
- Persons warned, compounded, prosecuted or convicted of mule-related offences;
- Persons under investigation for mule-related offences where an assessment indicates ongoing risk of further facilitation. The agencies emphasised that the list is not exhaustive, and restrictions will be calibrated to the risk presented.
How this hits scam operations
Scam syndicates depend on local bank accounts to move proceeds quickly via FAST/PayNow, and on local phone lines to build trust or register social-media handles and services using one-time passwords. Restricting mule access to these facilities increases friction, slows money movement, and reduces the supply of “clean” local identities that scammers can leverage.
What legitimate users and banks should expect
- No blanket lockouts for the public: the framework targets identified mules; service providers will apply restrictions only to notified individuals.
- KYC and device checks may surface more often for first-time payees, new devices, or unusual activity as institutions adjust controls to align with the new regime.
- Banks should update disclosures and FAQs to explain restriction scenarios and appeal paths, and train frontline teams to route affected persons to SPF where required.
- Telcos should refine line-subscription checks and monitor for attempts to circumvent bans via corporate entities—a trend authorities flagged. mothership.sg
Timeline and phasing
- October 2025: Phase-one restrictions begin with banking access and new mobile line subscriptions.
- Later phase: Singpass and Corppass restrictions for services at higher scam risk (e.g., account opening). Exact dates will be communicated as implementation progresses.
Safeguards and proportionality
Officials indicated the scope and duration of restrictions will be calibrated—i.e., not one-size-fits-all—taking into account a person’s basic financial and communication needs. The SPF will notify affected persons and manage appeals, suggesting there will be a review channel when circumstances change (e.g., acquittal, evidence of rehabilitation, or error).
Regional angle
Singapore isn’t alone in tightening guardrails around instant payments and digital identities. Across Southeast Asia, authorities have pushed rails like DuitNow, PromptPay, and BI-FAST for speed, while grappling with cross-border scam flows that exploit the same efficiency. The new framework is consistent with risk-based controls layered on modern payment systems to preserve user trust.
What consumers should do today
Even if you’re not affected, this is a cue to harden your own setup: enable transaction alerts, keep daily transfer caps conservative, verify beneficiary details by independent channels, and treat calls asking for OTP or app installs as scams. If an attempted payment fails and you are not under restrictions, contact your bank or telco; if you have been notified as a restricted user and wish to appeal, contact SPF via the official path referenced in your notice.
Sources
• CNA: Authorities to restrict scam mules’ access to banking and phone services; figures for H1 2025 cases and losses; framework starts Oct 2025.
• Finextra: Summary of the framework and H1 2025 losses at S$456.4m. Finextra Research
• Hubbis: Details on who may be restricted, what is restricted, and appeal via SPF; phased rollout. Hubbis
• FX News Group / Mothership: Additional operational examples (banking, PayNow, card/ATM, line subscriptions).
scam mules, MAS, SPF, IMDA, GovTech, banking restrictions, PayNow, digital banking, Singpass, Corppass, anti-scam measures
About the Author
Marks Toms – Editor-in-Chief
Marks oversees editorial policy, compliance, and fact-checking at bankaccountsopen.
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