Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on the Frequency of Reviewing Sentencing Framework for Scams-Related Crimes

Question:

Ms Joan Pereira: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how often does the Ministry review the sentencing framework for scams-related crimes; and (b) whether heavier penalties under the sentencing framework for scams-related crimes can be considered for a deterrent approach.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   Depending on the facts of the case, scammers may be charged for one of the cheating offences under Sections 417 to 420 of the Penal Code, which upon conviction, carry maximum imprisonment terms of between three and ten years for each charge.

2.   The Ministry of Home Affairs regularly reviews the adequacy of penalties for all offences, including those related to scams. Our assessment is that the penalties for scams related offences are adequate. For example, in August 2022, a scammer was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for a series of e-commerce scams on Carousell involving 396 victims and losses of more than $108,000.

3.   The problem is not that penalties are too low. The main challenge in prosecuting scammers is that most of them are based overseas. They are also adept at using technology to cover their tracks.

4.   Therefore, in our fight against scams, a key priority is to put in place upstream measures to prevent Singaporeans from falling prey. For example, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has worked with telcos to block overseas numbers spoofing domestic fixed-lines and mobile numbers. More recently, in January 2023, IMDA mandated all organisations that send SMSes using alphanumeric Sender IDs to register with the Singapore Sender ID Registry (SSIR). The SSIR will block all SMSes attempting to spoof Sender IDs that have been registered.

5.   Ultimately, the best defence against scams is a discerning public. We have stepped up our scams public education efforts. In January this year, the National Crime Prevention Council and the Singapore Police Force launched a new national anti-scam campaign, called "I can ACT against scams".

6.   "ACT" refers to taking action to safeguard oneself against scams, and reflects a shift in our emphasis from building awareness on scams, to individuals and the community taking action against scams. It is also an acronym for the three key steps of Add, Check and Tell, to promote key steps that everyone can take to safeguard themselves from scams.

7.   First, ADD. Everyone should make a proactive and conscious effort to ADD the security features, such as ScamShield to protect themselves against scams.

8.   Second, CHECK. Always be vigilant, take time to spot scam signs and ensure transactions are done via authentic platforms, and with legitimate parties.

9.   Third, TELL. Members of the public should tell authorities about scam encounters. The faster scams are reported to the authorities, the faster the authorities can take action to prevent more people from falling prey to scams. The public should also tell their family members and friends about scams, to raise our collective defense against scams.