Bill allows police to restrict funds transfer for scams

The restriction will last 30 days.

Singapore has proposed a measure that enables police to restrict bank transactions of individuals reasonably suspected of transferring funds to scammers.

Under the Protection for Scams Bill, a police officer can issue a restriction order to banks after an assessment of the facts and circumstances of each case.

Only scams carried out substantially via digital or telecommunication channels, such as calls, SMS, or online communications, are eligible for restriction orders.

Traditional cheating cases involving in-person transactions, like payments to a contractor or family member, are excluded.

Under a restriction order (RO), affected individuals will face limitations on (a) transferring money from bank accounts to other accounts through online, mobile, or over-the-counter methods; (b) using ATMs; and (c) accessing all credit facilities, such as credit card transactions and personal loans.

Each RO will be valid for up to 30 days. If more time is required to establish intervention measures, the police may extend the RO in 30-day increments, with a maximum of five extensions.