Criminal syndicates exploit local SIM cards to bypass safeguards and deceive unsuspecting victims
What appears to be a harmless local phone call has become one of the most effective weapons in modern scam operations. Across Singapore, victims are increasingly falling prey to fraudsters who sound legitimate, appear local, and strike at moments of financial vulnerability.
A Scam That Looked Legitimate
In October, interior design business owner Christinah Heng, 53, received a call from a local number she did not recognize. The caller, identifying himself as “Mr Lee” from a well-known school, discussed a potential renovation project before shifting the conversation to purchasing mattresses from a Malaysian supplier. Trusting the apparent legitimacy of the request and reassured by the promise of a commission, Heng transferred S$7,000 from her joint bank account. The funds were never recovered, and police investigations remain ongoing.
The Rise of Local Number Scams
Heng’s experience reflects a growing scam trend in Singapore. According to the Singapore Police Force Anti-Scam Command, scammers have increasingly used locally registered SIM cards over the past one to two years. These calls no longer display the +65 country code, making them more likely to be answered. Despite telcos blocking close to 100 million potential scam calls in the first half of last year, scam losses still totaled about S$456 million, based on official data cited by CNA’s Talking Point.
How Criminals Obtain Local SIM Cards
Locally registered SIM cards require official identification, but overseas scam syndicates bypass this through SIM card mules. These mules, often teenagers aged 15 to 17, are recruited to register SIM cards and sell them onward. According to youth workers from the charity Impart, mules may earn S$10 to S$15 per SIM card, while recruiters can make up to S$1,000 a week. In some cases, youths have registered as many as 40 to 50 SIM cards a month from small retail shops.
Legal Risks and Youth Exploitation
Some youths involved are aware the activity is illegal, while others believe they are merely lending their identity. Under amendments to criminal law that took effect on Dec 30, offenders may face probation, fines, jail terms, or caning. Authorities note that lighter sentencing in Youth Courts has been exploited by syndicates to deliberately recruit minors, reducing their own operational risk.
SIM Farms and Cross Border Operations
Once exported out of Singapore, these SIM cards are used in devices known as SIM boxes or GSM gateways. According to Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association president Siraj Jalil, these devices can house multiple SIM cards and automate large volumes of calls. When linked together in SIM farms, scammers can cycle through hundreds of local numbers, switch SIMs when blocked, and make overseas calls appear local without incurring roaming charges.
Regional Enforcement and Ongoing Challenges
Between April and June last year, authorities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong dismantled a cross-border syndicate abusing local mobile networks, seizing over 200 GSM gateway devices. Police believe the group was linked to more than 480 scam cases, with losses exceeding S$3.1 million. Despite these successes, officials warn that the demand for an endless supply of SIM cards remains a major vulnerability.
The abuse of local SIM cards highlights how technological loopholes and social vulnerabilities intersect in modern scam operations. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, the issue underscores the need for tighter retail controls, stronger youth protection, and deeper regional cooperation. As scammers adapt rapidly, public vigilance and cross border enforcement will remain critical in protecting communities from increasingly convincing fraud.
Sources: CNA (2026)
Keywords: SIM Card Scam, Phone Scam Singapore, Scam Syndicates, Cyber Fraud, Anti Scam Measures
