In Singapore, a poignant tale unfolded that captured the fragility of trust and the vulnerability of those with intellectual disabilities. A man whose heart was full of hope became enamoured with a woman he met through social media. Over time, their online conversations blossomed, leading him to transfer more than S$100 from his savings account to her.
When she promised to visit him in Singapore, excitement filled his heart. He eagerly awaited her arrival at the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, standing there for half a day, filled with anticipation and dreams of their future together.
However, as hours passed and the sun began to set, it became painfully clear that she would not show up. She vanished without a trace, cutting off all communication and leaving him heartbroken.
Gina Tan, a lead social worker at SPD, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, shared this heartbreaking incident with The Straits Times in February. She aimed to highlight the alarming reality that people with special needs are often prime targets for scams, emphasising the need for greater awareness and protection for such vulnerable individuals.
In a shocking revelation on February 25, the Singapore Police Force announced that scam victims in the city-state suffered unprecedented losses amounting to a staggering $1.1 billion in 2024. This alarming figure marked a grim milestone: it was the first time that annual losses from scams had breached the billion-dollar threshold.
The report highlighted a variety of scams, including online fraud, investment schemes, and impersonation scams, all of which preyed on unsuspecting individuals and businesses alike. The increasing sophistication of these scams has left many citizens vulnerable and searching for answers.
As the new year began, the trend showed no signs of abating. By early 2025, more than 3,500 scam cases had already been reported, with victims collectively losing over $80.7 million in just a few months. The urgency to combat this growing menace has become a pressing concern for law enforcement agencies and community leaders alike.
Each case tells a story of deception and loss, and the scars of these scams run deep within society’s fabric. The police are intensifying their efforts to raise awareness and educate the public about the dangers of scams, but the battle against these fraudsters is far from over. As Singaporeans navigate this treacherous landscape, vigilance and caution have never been more crucial.
In an age of alarmingly prevalent scams, social service organisations are stepping up to protect some of society’s most vulnerable members: people with intellectual disabilities. Organisations like SPD, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities (THKMC), and Touch Community Services are proactively educating their clients on how to identify and defend against various scams targeting their naivety.
One such case highlights the dangers lurking online. Tan, a counsellor at THKMC, recounted the story of John, a client who fell victim to a love scam. It all began innocently enough when John received a friend request from a seemingly attractive woman on social media. Over two months, their conversations deepened, and John found himself enamoured.
Caught in the whirlwind of emotion, he began to believe that this online connection could blossom into a real relationship. “He naively thought: ‘OK, I want her to be my girlfriend,’” Tan explained. As feelings intensified, John sent money to the woman, convinced he was helping her through tough times.
When she promised to come to Singapore, John’s excitement turned into obsession. He was determined to meet her at the ferry terminal, entirely unaware that he was entangled in a web of deceit. This heartbreaking tale serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and education in safeguarding those who may not recognise the signs of a scam.
After her unexpected absence, Chloe stopped communicating with Tan. It was as if she had vanished into thin air, leaving behind unanswered messages and a growing sense of unease.
Tan grappled with feelings of heartbreak and confusion. Despite the emotional turmoil, he chose not to file a police report, hoping that there was a simple explanation for her sudden silence. Each day without news felt like an eternity, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
Chloe Lee, the superintendent of THK Home for Disabled in Sembawang, shared insights on the matter. She explained that it is increasingly common for the home’s residents, who are adults with intellectual disabilities, to fall victim to scam video calls. Many of them, she noted, are naive to scammers’ tactics and often find themselves caught in elaborate schemes.
The reality of these scams weighed heavily on her heart as she witnessed the emotional toll they took on her clients. She urged families to remain vigilant and educate their loved ones about the dangers lurking online. In a world where trust can easily be exploited, Chloe knew that awareness could be the key to protecting the most vulnerable.
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