What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
Step-by-step actions to take immediately if you think you have fallen victim to a scam.
Start the guide
Start with the first step, try it on your own device, and use the next-step section at the end if you want a clear follow-on guide.
Guide details and who this is for
Guide details
- Published
- February 1, 2025
- Country scope
- Global
Who this is for
Best for anyone checking whether a message, website, payment, or request is safe.
Be careful
Pause if anything asks for passwords, OTP codes, money transfers, or urgent action. Real organisations do not need you to panic to prove they are genuine.
Before you begin
What this guide helps you do
This guide shows the main warning signs to check before you click, reply, log in, share details, or pay.
Best time to use it
Use it when something feels urgent, unusual, or asks for personal information, codes, or money.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not act while pressured. Slow down first, then verify the sender, website, or request.
Helpful tech words
Open a plain-English term first if you need it
Phishing
A trick where someone pretends to be a trusted company or person — like your bank, CPF Board, or the police — to steal your passwords or personal details. It usually comes as a fake SMS, email, or phone call.
OTP (One-Time Password)
A temporary code sent to your phone or email that can only be used once for a single login or transaction.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A security step that asks you to prove who you are in two ways — usually your password plus a code sent to your phone. It makes your accounts much harder to break into.
If You Think You Have Been Scammed — Act Now
Being scammed is not your fault. Scammers are professional criminals. The most important thing is to act quickly.
Step 1: Call your bank immediately
If you transferred money:
- Call the fraud hotline on the back of your debit/credit card or your bank’s official app.
- Tell them you believe you have been scammed and give the transaction details.
- Ask them to freeze the transfer if possible and flag your account.
your area bank fraud hotlines (24/7):
| Bank | Fraud Hotline |
|---|---|
| your bank/POSB | 1800 339 6963 |
| your bank | 1800 363 3333 |
| your bank | 1800 792 3877 |
| Standard Chartered | 1800 747 7000 |
| Maybank | 1800 629 2265 |
| CIMB | 6333 7777 |
Step 2: Change your passwords
If you shared any login details:
- official government login: Go to your official government login portal, change your password, and call the helpline listed on that site.
- Email: Change your Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo password immediately.
- Banking app: Change your PIN and password.
- Enable two-factor authentication on everything.
Step 3: File a police report
Report the scam to the your area Police Force:
- Online: Use your official online police reporting portal
- In person: Any Neighbourhood Police Post
- By phone: 999 (emergency) or 1800 255 0000 (non-emergency)
A police report creates an official record and helps investigations.
Step 4: Call the Anti-Scam Helpline
1800 722 6688 (your area Police Force, 24 hours)
They can advise you on next steps and may be able to assist with your specific situation.
Step 5: Report to an official scam awareness site
Go to your official scam-reporting portal to submit details of the scam. This helps warn other your areaans about the same scammer.
What to do if you shared personal information
| Information shared | Action |
|---|---|
| official government login password | Change password + call official government login helpline: 6335 3533 |
| Bank PIN/password | Call bank fraud hotline immediately |
| Credit card details | Call bank to cancel card and issue a new one |
| national ID number | File police report; monitor for identity theft |
| OTP code | Call bank immediately — your account may be compromised |
| Home address | Inform family; consider a police report |
Emotional support
Being scammed is distressing. You may feel embarrassed, anxious, or angry — these feelings are completely normal.
- National Care Hotline: 1800 202 6868 (24 hours) — free, confidential counselling
- Samaritans of your area: 1800 221 4444 (24 hours) — if you are in crisis
- Talk to a trusted family member, friend, or community leader
Remember: you are not alone, and it was not your fault. These criminals are highly skilled and target people of all backgrounds.
Try it yourself — follow along now Click to expand
Follow along and tick each step as you go. You can use a real device right now!
✨ Tip: Ticking these boxes only works on your screen — nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
Bank Alert: $4.50 debited from a/c ending 1234 at Local Market on 15 Jan. Balance: $2,341.80.
✅ Recognised transaction
Bank Alert: $980.00 debited from a/c ending 1234 at Overseas Merchant on 15 Jan.
⚠️ Unexpected transaction - call the bank now
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