Report a WhatsApp Scam in Singapore: ScamShield and Police

Here's what to give ScamShield and the police.

Last checked: 29 October 2026 against the sources listed at the end of this guide.

#Where do I report?

Singapore's ScamShield Helpline page says the ScamShield Helpline is available 24 hours, every day. You can call it to check whether something is a scam, get advice, or, if you're a victim, be connected directly to one of seven banks: DBS/POSB, UOB, OCBC, Citibank, Maybank, Standard Chartered and HSBC. ScamShield says the helpline can't make a police report for you; that has to be done online with the police or at a Neighbourhood Police Centre.

ScamShield's I've been scammed page gives four steps: contact your bank immediately, because it can act to stop further losses; file a police report online or at a Neighbourhood Police Centre or Post, or call the police emergency line for urgent help; tell your contacts and secure any compromised account by changing the password and turning on two-factor authentication; and for e-commerce scams, report the seller to the platform. It says you can also share information through the Police Hotline or the I-Witness e-Service.

#What should I do first?

1. Screenshot chats and the number.
2. Call your bank if you paid.
3. Report in ScamShield.
4. File a police report online.

Related guides: WhatsApp "Wrong Number" Message Scam: What If I Already Replied?, Someone Removed Me as WhatsApp Group Admin: Can I Get Control Back?.

ScamShield's What to include when you file a police report page lists what to gather: the date and time of the scam, how they contacted you, the scammer's phone number, email, website links or other contact details, screenshots of messages, receipts or invoices, bank transaction records showing the loss, and any recordings. Mention reports you've already made, for example to your bank or the ScamShield Helpline, with their reference numbers, and the steps you've taken to stop further losses.

WhatsApp's How to block and report someone page says blocking stops messages, calls and status updates from that person, and you can tick Report to WhatsApp when you block. The existing chat stays in your list, so you may want to take screenshots first. WhatsApp says you can't block a group, but you can exit it and block the admin, and change your privacy settings so unknown contacts can't add you to groups. If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

#What common mistakes should I avoid?

• Deleting chats before reporting.
• Waiting before calling the bank.
• Replying to the scammer.
• Paying recovery agents.

#What Do the Official Help Pages Say?

WhatsApp's How to recover a compromised account page says to tap Log back in, enter your full international phone number and the 6-digit code you receive by SMS or phone call. Re-registering with that code automatically logs out every device logged into your account. If you're asked for a two-step verification PIN you don't know, someone else using the account may have turned it on; WhatsApp says to wait 7 days and try again, and that anyone using your account is logged out once you enter the SMS code either way. WhatsApp also says changing your password won't remove someone else: re-registering with the code is the only way.

WhatsApp's About suspicious messages and scams page lists signs to look out for: typos, being asked to tap a link or download an app, requests for card or bank details, birth dates or passwords, being asked to forward a message or pay to use WhatsApp, someone pretending to be a person you know, and messages about lotteries, jobs, investments or loans. When someone not in your contacts messages you for the first time, WhatsApp shows whether you have groups in common and which country their number is registered in. WhatsApp says it's free, so anyone asking for payment to use it or to unban an account is likely after your money or details.

WhatsApp's Account security tips page lists the extra layers you can turn on once you have access: an email address, which lets you recover the account without SMS or a phone call; two-step verification; a password; a passkey linked to your phone's fingerprint, face or screen lock; app lock; chat lock; and, for people who may be targeted, strict account settings. WhatsApp says these features can't restore lost access or remove someone already using your account; in that case, recover the account first.

WhatsApp's How to protect yourself from suspicious messages and scams page gives four steps: pause and think about whether they're rushing you, threatening you or asking for money, a password or a PIN; stop the conversation and don't share anything if you can't verify who they are; block and report them; and update your privacy settings and turn on two-step verification.

WhatsApp's About two-step verification page describes it as an optional feature that adds security by using two forms of authentication. When you turn it on, you can use your phone number, a password or an email address as the extra check, and a passkey lets you log in faster with your phone's fingerprint, face or screen lock.

#How do I keep the account safe while I sort this out?

• Never share a login code, password or backup code with anyone, including people who say they work for Meta, the police or a recovery service.
• Make sure the email address and phone number on the account are ones you still control, and remove any you do not recognise.
• Turn on two-factor authentication where the platform offers it, ideally with an authenticator app, and keep your backup codes somewhere offline.
• Log in only from the official app or by typing the address yourself, not from links in messages, comments or ads.
• Keep screenshots of every notice, email and step you take, with dates, in case you need them for a review or a report.
• Make one careful attempt at each official step rather than many rushed ones, because repeated failed attempts can trigger extra checks.

#When It Is Safer to Get Expert Help

Ask for help before you appeal if the account matters to your income, your business or your memories, if you have already had one appeal rejected, or if you cannot tell whether the problem is a bug, a restriction or a hack. That is where most avoidable losses happen.

AwareXone is independent and not affiliated with Meta, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp or Threads. Recovery work is best-effort and the platform makes the final decision.