Online shopping scams in Singapore are the most commonly reported type of scam. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) recorded 6,703 e-commerce scam cases in 2025, with about S$16.7 million lost, and cases rose 19.3% to 3,865 in the first half of 2026. Most follow the same pattern: an item or deal that looks too good, a seller who wants payment outside the platform, and goods that never arrive.
Fake voucher and payout messages are a close relative. They copy real government schemes such as CDC Vouchers and ask you to click a link.
The short version: Pay only inside the platform, be wary of prices far below everyone else’s, and never click links in unsolicited messages about vouchers or payouts. If you are unsure, call the ScamShield Helpline on 1799. If you have paid, call your bank first, then the police.
How Common Online Shopping Scams Are
From SPF’s 2025 annual brief and its mid-year 2026 brief:
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| E-commerce scam cases, 2025 | 6,703 (down 42.5% from 11,665 in 2024) |
| E-commerce scam losses, 2025 | About $16.7 million |
| Share on Carousell / Facebook Marketplace, 2025 | 29.0% / 22.2% of cases |
| E-commerce scam cases, first half of 2026 | 3,865 (up 19.3%) |
| E-commerce scam losses, first half of 2026 | About $8.3 million (up 18.9%) |
| Pokémon card cases, first half of 2026 | 605 (up 116.8%) |
SPF now publishes an E-commerce Scam Situation Report, which ranks the top 10 platforms by reported losses and cases. It replaces the earlier E-commerce Marketplace Transaction Safety Ratings.
How the Common Shopping Scams Work
Fake sellers on marketplaces. The listing looks normal, the price is attractive, and the seller suggests moving the chat to a messaging app and paying by bank transfer “to save fees”. After payment, the seller disappears. Collectibles are a frequent target: SPF singled out Pokémon cards in both briefs.
Fake shops and social media ads. A polished website or advert offers a big discount during a sale. The shop takes card details or a transfer and either sends nothing or sends something worthless.
Fake buyers. If you are selling, a “buyer” sends a link to “receive payment” or “verify” your account. The link leads to a page that captures your banking log-in.
Fake voucher and payout messages. ScamShield warned on 31 August 2026 about fake CDC, GST and transport voucher messages on Telegram, with at least 52 cases since January 2026. Real support such as the December 2026 Assurance Package cash and U-Save rebates is paid automatically and never needs a fee or a log-in through a link.
Warning Signs Before You Pay
- The price is well below what other sellers charge for the same item.
- The seller wants payment by direct bank transfer or PayNow instead of the platform’s checkout.
- The seller pushes you to move the conversation off the platform.
- There is time pressure: “many people interested”, “pay now to hold it”.
- The account is new, has few reviews, or the reviews all look alike.
- A message about vouchers or payouts contains a link and asks you to log in or pay.
For CDC Vouchers specifically: the official FAQ says the voucher link is sent by SMS from “Gov.sg” and genuine links start with https://voucher.redeem.gov.sg/. You claim at go.gov.sg/cdcv with Singpass. Anything else, especially on Telegram or WhatsApp, should be treated as suspicious.
Protect Yourself: Add, Check, Tell
SPF’s anti-scam advice uses three steps:
- Add security features, such as the ScamShield app and two-factor authentication for your accounts.
- Check for signs of a scam with official sources, such as the ScamShield website or helpline.
- Tell the authorities, your family and friends about scam encounters.
Three habits for sale season in particular: keep payment inside the platform, use a card or the platform’s protected checkout rather than a transfer to a stranger, and type official websites into your browser yourself rather than tapping links.
If You Have Already Paid
- Call your bank immediately. Ask it to stop or recall the payment and to secure your accounts. Speed matters.
- Make a police report, with screenshots of the listing, the chat and the payment.
- Report the seller to the platform.
- Change passwords if you entered any log-in details, and check your accounts for unfamiliar transactions.
Will you get the money back? Usually not for a transfer you authorised yourself. The Shared Responsibility Framework, in force since 16 December 2024, covers certain phishing scams in which someone impersonating a business or government entity tricks you into entering your credentials on a fake site. It sets duties for banks and telcos, such as at least 12 hours of cooling-off on new digital tokens. It does not apply to Singapore-issued credit, debit or charge cards.
If the problem is a genuine seller who delivered something faulty, that is a consumer dispute rather than a scam; our guide to consumer rights and refunds covers that route. For the gold and bullion versions of these scams, see our guide to gold scams in Singapore.
What To Do Next
- Install the ScamShield app and save the helpline, 1799, in your phone.
- Before paying any seller, check that payment stays inside the platform.
- Talk to older relatives about fake voucher and payout messages, especially around December and January when real payouts land.
- Read our guide to year-end sales without overspending before 12.12.
