Trends in scam cases involving seniors and measures to improve asset recovery

Dr Choo Pei Ling: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether any recent patterns have been observed in scams targeting seniors; and (b) if so, what these patterns are.


Answer:

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

1. Mr Speaker, my reply will also cover Question 7 for Written Answer filed by Dr Choo Pei Ling for today’s sitting. 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 2 in 5 scam victims who were 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.