Common Tourist Scams in Singapore & How to Avoid Them

The island country located in the South Malay Peninsula is one of the largest and busiest ports in the world. Singapore is known to be a global financial centre and is known as a perfect tourist destination owing to its climate, cleanliness, architecture and designs. 

Singapore prides itself on being a safe tourist-friendly destination. To ensure an enjoyable trip, the system implements strict laws around tourist scams. It is easy to report a scam when in Singapore. But first, let’s understand the different types of scams in Singapore.

1. Online Travel Package Scams

Scammers set up fake travel websites offering tourists attractive packages to their destination. They can also trick buyers into making early deposits before providing any service and may use local bank accounts or provide a copy of legal documents to make buyers believe that they are genuine sellers. 

It has been reported that at least 48 victims have lost $1.7m to travel package scams online when travelling to Singapore.

The best way to avoid this scam is to check with the Singapore Tourism Board and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore if a vendor is an accredited travel agent. You must buy tickets only from authorized sellers and reputable sources.

Common around: Across Singapore since it is an online scam.

2. Home/Room Rental Scam

A scammer offers a room or house for rent and pressurizes the victim to pay the rent in advance. Another version is when scammers put up fake property listings online and contact victims through WhatsApp pretending to be property agents. They then ask the victims for deposits in order to secure appointments to view the properties. They cease all contact after they have received their payout. 

To avoid this scam, insist on proper property information to be displayed. If you are already in the country, insist to visit the site yourself before making any payment. You should also ensure that the person you're dealing with is the rightful owner or an accredited real estate agent.

Common around: Across Singapore as it is an online scam.

3. Caller Scams

Getting a local SIM card when in a new country is a necessity. Some scams that are associated with new SIM cards for tourists are either callers impersonating a government official or calling from a recruiting agency (for those moving to the country to avail jobs). 

These scammers may play an automated message and say that some of their documentation didn't come through. They then ask the victim for their personal data like bank account details, visa details, etc. They pressurize the victim to share this information and later misuse it.

You can avoid falling for this scam by never sharing personal details over the phone and not falling for scare tactics that scammers might use. Hang up immediately if the caller cannot identify themselves properly. Always verify the authenticity of the information through official websites.

Common around: Across Singapore.

4. E-commerce Food Item Scams

Buying anything online involves an element of risk because it can get slightly difficult trying to identify a real seller against a scammer. Scammers pose as sellers and post offers or sponsored advertisements of food items on online platforms. Victims then contact the sellers and make the payment online, but do not receive the goods or the seller becomes uncontactable.

The best way to avoid this scam is to check the details of deals with official sources and be wary when prices seem too good to be true. One should also verify the legitimacy of sellers through customer reviews and ratings and avoid making payments in advance to bank accounts belonging to unknown individuals.

Common around: Across Singapore since it is an online scam. Facebook pages such as Grocery Retail, Department Store, Juewei Food, Baihui Mall and Ocean Fishery Exchange; have been identified as scams and been reported to the police.

5. Rental Car Scam

Tourists can be scammed online in another way when wanting to rent a car in Singapore. In many cases, the person is asked to make the full payment online to rent a car, which they availed through a super cheap deal. After paying the deposit or the full rental amount, they find that the car or agency does not exist.

Some ways to avoid it are by checking that the car rental photos are catered to the make and model and not generic. The rates should be the prevailing amount and not unusually low. You can also insist on the documentation of the car rental details, payment and vehicle identification documents.

Common around: Across Singapore since it is an online scam.

6. Credit-for-Sex Scam

This is a very common scam in Singapore that resulted in S$2.1 million loss to scammers. In this case, a stranger befriends victims through social media platforms such as WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram or MiChat. The scammer will then ask for a meet-up, date or sexual favours in return for some form of payment online or through gift cards. 

After the payment is made, the scammers become uncontactable or do not show up for a date or could even cat phish the victim. 

To avoid falling for this scam, do not give out personal details or disclose the gift cards PINs to strangers you meet online. Do not accept favours offered in exchange for monetary benefit.

Common around: Across Singapore since it is an online scam.

7. Restaurant Scams

The Singaporean cuisine is renowned for its seafood. In many restaurants in Singapore, price is determined basis the portion of food that is served. Both these quantities will be mentioned on the menu.

Some scams have been reported where tourists have been charged a higher price for lesser quantities of food. There have also been "seasonal charges" added to the bill or prices mentioned as "starting from $XX". It's best to avoid places like this or confirm the price and portion before ordering.

Common around: Seafood restaurants at Boat Quay (*This scam is most likely to happen in local restaurants in Singapore.)

8. Online Shopping Scams

With almost S$21.3 lost to scammers through online shopping, online shopping is one of the most common scams in Singapore. It works in such a way that an unbelievable deal for gadgets, tickets, fabrics, etc. grabs the victims’ attention. 

They make a payment online for the same, but never receive the item. In some cases, it is also reported that victims were asked to pay in cash for items they did not order. Many fake sellers create fake websites, or even place advertisements on social media to build credibility.

To avoid falling for this scam, do not be naïve when shopping online. Scammers often omit important product information, customer reviews and do not have proper customer support. Transact within the platform. Wherever possible, insist on cash-on-delivery.

Common around: Across Singapore since it is an online scam.

9. Fake Luxury Products Scam

Selling luxury products at a discounted price in a market environment is immediately a red flag for a scam. In Singapore, fake luxury goods like perfumes, electronics, pills and other branded items are sold at very cheap rates. These products should be immediately identified as rip-offs. For example, branded perfumes are watered down and don’t last long.

To avoid this scam, it is better to buy branded items at their original quality at an outlet store rather than getting scammed for a discounted price.

Common around: Bugis Street, Chinatown, Pasar Malam (the pop-up street market) and Sim Lim Square.

10. Electronics Shopping Scams

Scams associated with electronics occur when some vendors advertise gadgets at a cheap price. They then ask the victim to make the payment without informing them of the warranty charges. After the payment is done, the scammers then ask for thousands for the warranty. 

They sometimes refuse to give the item if that amount is not paid. Some scammers have also been reported to have swapped the original products for fake ones.

Shopping for electronics and gadgets in Asian countries is a very common activity among tourists, however, it is important to remember to do your research about the price and specifications of the gadget before making your purchase. It is also advised to buy gadgets from reputable shops or big chains instead.

Common around: Bugis- Sim Lim Square, Chinatown- People’s Park Complex, shops in the area Orchard- Lucky Plaza.

11. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams in Singapore have resulted in around S$16.5 million loss. The victim might receive a call, text or email soliciting personal information to claim a prize, secure the victims’ online accounts or help investigate fraudulent transactions. Fake websites are created to look identical to the official sites of organisations or banks.

Scammers then use the victims’ personal information for identity theft, financial gain, etc. The best way to avoid this scam is by never sharing personal details like bank or card details online or over the call. It is also best to never click on URLs in unsolicited emails and text messages.

Common around: Across Singapore as it is an online scam. 

12. Fake Ticket Scams

Ticket scams in Singapore occur at tourist hubs and entertainment acts. Scammers approach tourists offering discounted or counterfeit tickets. It is reported that at least 137 people have been duped in fake concert ticket scams since March 2023, losing about $170,000 in total.

Victims found advertised concert tickets on various online platforms. The scammers create a sense of urgency around the tickets forcing the victims to make an advance payment. Victims realise they are scammed only when they do not receive the tickets or have received fake tickets and were later denied entry at concerts/public attractions.

It's advisable to purchase tickets directly from authorized ticketing booths or reputable online platforms to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Common around: Online platforms and popular attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, or the Night Safari.

13. Fake Monks Scam:

This scam is prevalent not only in Singapore but across Asian countries. People dressed as Monks roam the streets of tourist hubs asking for donations. Some of them can be seen tying bracelets or selling religious pendants to tourists.

Although this scam has become scarce over the years, it is still necessary to remain cautious about people asking for alms.

Monks do not roam the streets begging for money or trying to sell religious artefacts to tourists/strangers. They do not pester people into buying items for a quick buck either. So, if you do encounter someone dressed as a monk in Singapore, simply ignore them and walk away.

Common around: Areas around Geylang and Redhill.

14. Nightlife Scams

Experiencing the nightlife of a new, exotic country is a must-try! However, it is important to be cautious as it is easier for people to take advantage of someone who is under any influence. Scammers may offer fake services, such as drugs or prostitution, or try to steal personal belongings.

Although Singapore is relatively safe even during the night, it is still wise to be aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings. 

Common around: Popular nightlife areas, such as Clarke Quay or Geylang.

15. Taxi Scams

Taxi scams are one of the most common tourist scams across the world. Unfortunately, Singapore is not excluded from the list. Taxi scams occur to tourists visiting Singapore, although it is reportedly rare. 

This type of scam occurs when taxi drivers either charge a high rate for a short distance, they refuse to take the ride especially if the destination is a little out of town because they have to deal with an empty trip back, or the most notorious scam is when taxi drivers return your money with Malaysian Ringgit as change.

To avoid this scam from occurring to you, you can always book a ride using local apps or even using public transport. It’s better to know the route you must travel and the approximate cost before getting started on your ride. This will prevent you from getting scammed into paying a higher price.

Common around: Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, around Changi Airport, and other places.

Most of the scams that do happen are mostly targeted at locals. Regardless, it is always important to be cautious about your finances and belongings when in a new location. 

• To avoid getting scammed while travelling in Singapore, it's important to be vigilant and cautious.
• If anything seems too good to be true, it most probably is.
• Online scams are most prevalent. The best way to avoid is to always verify the seller before making a payment. Pay using safe and secured platforms. Check for customer reviews and full product information before finalising your decision. 
• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings close to you to avoid falling for pick pocketers.
• Avoid buying goods or services from unlicensed or unregistered vendors, and never give out personal information or money to strangers.
• Finally, having a good, International Travel Insurance plan can help you if you are in a financial fix. International Travel insurance to Singapore not only comes with medical benefits, but also loss of passports, baggage delays, stolen wallets, financial emergency cash, and a lot more! You can read about the different coverages in Travel Insurance here.

Below are some important resource contacts you must save on your device when you are in Singapore.

• Tourist Hotline (Toll-free): 1800 736 2000/ (overseas): +65 6736 2000
• Ambulance/Fire Services: 995
• Police Emergency: 999 
• Consulate of Singapore in Mumbai, India: (91 22) 2204 3205
• Consulate of Singapore in Chennai, India: (91) (44) 28158207 / 28158208

Remember, staying cautious, using reputable sources, and being aware of your surroundings can help protect you from falling victim to common tourist scams. If you encounter any suspicious activity or believe you have been scammed, report the incident to the local authorities or seek assistance from the nearest police station.