Most Recent Measures by MHA and Its Related Institutions to Support Scam Victims

Question:

Ms Elysa Chen: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs what are the most recent measures that the Ministry and its related institutions have implemented to support scam victims post-incident beyond public education workshops and fund recovery efforts.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. The Police have developed a resource guide on what victims should do if they fall prey to scams, and the various community support they can seek out.

2. The resource guide is available in the four official languages and is progressively being delivered to all households. An online copy of the guide is available on the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and ScamShield websites.

3. The Police also have a Victim Care Cadre Programme. In certain cases, or upon request by the scam victim, the Police may assign Victim Care Officers (VCOs), who are volunteers, to provide psychological first aid and crisis intervention for the victim. The VCOs may also direct the victims to community and professional resources for longer-term psychological and financial support.