Number of Fake Bulk Order Scams Involving Impersonation of SAF Personnel and Measures to Protect Small Businesses from Such Scams

Question:

Mr Jackson Lam: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many cases of fake bulk order scams impersonating SAF personnel have been reported since May 2025; (b) what measures are being taken to protect small businesses from such fraud; and (c) whether additional safeguards, outreach, or penalties are planned to deter impersonation scams targeting SAF’s reputation.

Answer:

Mr Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development:

1. Mr Speaker, my reply will also address Parliamentary Questions No. 10 and 12 for Written Answer in today’s Order Paper filed by Mr Alex Yeo and Mr Zhulkarnain Adbul Rahim respectively.

2. From May 2025 to 15 September 2025, the Police received at least six reports of fake bulk order scams involving the impersonation of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel.

3. In these scams, scammers posing as SAF personnel would contact restaurants or other small businesses to make bulk orders. In some cases, nearer to the delivery date, the scammers would request for additional items which the businesses do not carry or are unable to fulfil at short notice. The scammers would then provide the contact details of fake suppliers whom they claim can supply the additional items and persuade the victims to pay the fake suppliers on their behalf. The fake suppliers are part of the scam syndicate and deceive the victim into making payment, without delivering the actual items. Victims often only realise they have been scammed when the bulk order is not collected.

4. The Police take a tough stance against scammers and their mules, including those who allow their bank accounts to be used to receive the scam proceeds, and they may face imprisonment terms of up to 10 years.

5. As of 19 September 2025, the Police have arrested six suspects in connection with these scams. Among them is a 22-year-old woman who was charged in court on 17 September for relinquishing the control of her bank account to the scammers to facilitate the scams. Investigations against the other suspects are currently ongoing.

6. As much as the Police will take a firm stance against such cases and do more in public education efforts, it is often not possible for the Police to protect businesses and the public from all forms of scams and frauds. The criminals will constantly devise new ways and approaches to hook and scam their victims.

7. In this case, we also seek the public’s support, including businesses and merchants, to be discerning and vigilant. To raise awareness of fake bulk order scams among small businesses, the Police have been sharing with industry stakeholders such as the Food and Beverage Management Association Singapore, Restaurant Association of Singapore and Orchard Road Business Association the various telltale signs of scams and the preventive measures they should adopt. In particular, we urge businesses to try to verify the identity of the people they are transacting with, avoid making advance payments or deposits with new suppliers, and pay only upon the delivery of goods. Please note also that Government agencies will not ask businesses to make payment to another business on the Government’s behalf, unless agreed through a written contract. If in doubt, please call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799.