Proportion of scam losses recovered for senior victims in past three years and measures improving recovery outcomes

Question:

Dr Choo Pei Ling: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what proportion of reported losses in scam cases involving seniors over the past three years were successfully recovered; and (b) what measures have most improved recovery outcomes.


Answer:

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

1. In 2025, seniors aged 65 and above made up about 15% of all scam victims, the only age group to register an increase in the number of victims between 2024 and 2025. Each senior lost about $37,000 on average, the highest among all age groups. About two in five scam victims who are seniors fell prey to investment or Government official impersonation scams.

2. The Police do not track the amount of scam proceeds recovered by age group.

3. We have explained in this House before why the recovery of scam proceeds is very challenging. Once the monies exit Singapore, the odds of it being recovered is very low. Notwithstanding, the Police have implemented several measures to improve asset recovery, including strengthening international collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies and enhancing cryptocurrency tracing capabilities. The Member may wish to refer to the Annual Scam and Cybercrime Brief 2025 for more details on these recovery initiatives.