SINGAPORE - Scams continue to be a major concern and a priority for the Singaporean government, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a report released on Tuesday.

According to the Overview of Safety and Security Situation in 2024, both the number of reported scam cases and the total amount lost to scams have increased.

While the majority of scam victims in 2024 were under 50, victims aged 65 and above suffered the highest average losses per victim, the report said.

The five most common scam types last year were e-commerce scams, job scams, phishing scams, investment scams, and fake friend call scams.

The five scam types that accounted for the highest losses were investment scams, job scams, government official impersonation scams, malware-enabled scams, and business email compromise scams.

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While the government remains committed to strengthening anti-scam efforts, the ministry emphasized that individuals must also take proactive measures to protect themselves.

Beyond scams, the report noted other areas of concern, including drug abuse, shop theft, voyeurism, speeding, and fires. 

The number of new drug abusers arrested in Singapore increased in 2024, with young offenders remaining a key concern, according to the ministry.

More than half of the newly arrested drug abusers were under 30. The number of offenders below 20 rose by nearly a third compared to 2023.

The ministry warned that Singapore remains vulnerable to worsening global and regional drug developments, as illicit drug markets continue to expand. It noted that drug traffickers and producers are misusing social media platforms and encrypted communication apps to spread misinformation about the supposed benefits of drugs.

Emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach, the ministry underscored the importance of preventive drug education, strict laws, rigorous enforcement, and community collaboration in the fight against drugs.