Singapore has mandated Meta Platforms Inc. to strengthen anti-scam measures on Facebook under the new Online Criminal Harms Act, which was enacted in February 2024, following a surge in impersonation scams.

Impersonation scams in Singapore almost tripled in the first half of 2025, with over 1,760 cases and a financial loss of S$126.5 million, primarily on Facebook.

Facebook has been identified as the main platform used by scammers, with a 200% increase in impersonation schemes in 2025, prompting regulatory action.

Effective September 1, 2025, TikTok was designated as a 'online service' requiring compliance with anti-scam and cybercrime measures by February 28, 2026, including adherence to the Online Communication Services Code of Practice.

This move makes TikTok subject to Singapore’s new regulations, emphasizing the need for platforms to implement stronger safeguards against scams and misinformation.

Singapore’s enforcement efforts include international cooperation, such as Operation FRONTIER+, which froze over 32,000 bank accounts and recovered S$26 million between May and June 2025.

While Facebook has introduced some security features after criticism, the government has criticized Meta for resisting more robust measures like user verification with government IDs, deeming current efforts insufficient.

Despite some improvements, Facebook’s anti-scam safeguards remain weak, especially on Facebook Marketplace, which was rated the least secure among six platforms in 2024.

Over a third of all reported e-commerce scams in Singapore in 2024 involved Facebook, highlighting its role in the scam epidemic and the need for stricter safeguards.

In the first half of 2025, Singapore saw a 26% decrease in scam cases and a 13% drop in total losses, totaling S$456 million, aided by tools like AI detection and the ScamShield app.

Law enforcement charged over 500 scammers and money mules in the first half of 2025, with adult offenders facing at least six months in prison.

Singapore’s high median wealth, widespread internet use, and public trust make it a prime target for scammers, especially those impersonating government officials.