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Crime
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- CDSA and CMA Bill Amendments
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- Unlicensed Moneylending
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- Crime
- Commercial Crimes
- Youth-Centric Advisories
- Dishonest Misappropriation Of Property
- Cybercrime
- Family Violence
- Housebreaking
- Theft In Dwelling
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- Outrage of Modesty
- CDSA and CMA Bill Amendments
- Misuse of SIM Card Offences
- Sexual Crime
- Voyeurism
- Snatch Theft
- Scams
- Theft Of Bicycle and Personal Mobility Devices
- Unlicensed Moneylending
- Crime Prevention Posters
- Scams Bulletin
- Traffic
- Traffic Matters
- Road Safety Tips
- Road Safety Campaigns
- Road Safety Challenge
- Airport Security
- Known Consignor Regime
- Regulated Air Cargo Agent Regime
- Online Criminal Harms Act
- Introduction to OCHA
- Application for Reconsideration
- Appeal to Reviewing Tribunal
- Codes of Practice
- Appeal to Minister
- Infrastructure Protection
- Infrastructure Protection Act
- Protected Areas and Protected Places
- Special Developments / Special Infrastructures
- Building Security
- Security Outcome-Based Contracting
- Security Outcome-Based Contracting
What is Unlicensed Moneylending (UML)?
UML occurs when an unlicensed person, often called an unlicensed moneylender, 'Ah Long' or loan shark, lends money to another person. Borrowing from the unlicensed moneylender is dangerous due to their often aggressive and illegal debt collection methods. They often employ harassment tactics to force repayment, which may include threats or acts of violence. Alarmingly, such intimidation can persist even after borrowers have settled their debts.
Stay away and do not borrow money from any unlicensed moneylenders. Do not work with or assist them in any way!
Where to get help?
If you are facing financial difficulties, seek help before it’s too late:
- Credit Counselling Singapore: 6225-5227 (www.ccs.org.sg)
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1800-6-668-668 (www.ncpg.org.sg)
- ComCare: 1800-222-0000 (www.msf.gov.sg/comcare)
Crime Prevention Tips for UML
UML is a significant threat to the community. While the Police are working to eliminate this problem, community involvement is crucial. Here are measures you can adopt to help:
1. Good Neighbourliness and Community Involvement
Join the Citizens on Patrol – neighbourhood community groups that help patrol and watch out for each other. By working together, we can create a safer community for all.
2. For Employers of Migrant Workers (MWs) / Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs)
Protect your MW / MDW from unscrupulous unlicensed moneylenders:
- Instruct them to stay away from the unlicensed moneylenders and not to assist them in any manner.
- Warn them of the severe consequences if caught assisting the unlicensed moneylenders in illegal activities, including work pass revocation.
Beware of Loan Scams
The Police would also like to caution the public against loan scams, which may have links to UML. Members of the public should take note of the following:
- Licensed moneylenders are not allowed to make cold calls or send unsolicited messages via social media and online messaging platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Telegram or WhatsApp, etc.
- They must verify borrower identity and details at their approved place of business.
- They can only approve or grant loans to a person within the business premises.
- They will not ask for any payment before loan disbursement.
Note: Licensed moneylenders may charge an administrative fee, but only after loan approval and usually deducted from the disbursed amount. For a list of licensed moneylenders, visit the Ministry of Law's Registry of Moneylenders website.
Protect Yourself from Loan Scams
- Ignore unsolicited loan advertisements.
- Block and report spam numbers on WhatsApp, Telegram or other apps.
- Never share personal information (NRIC, SingPass, bank details) with unknown parties.
For more information on loan scams, visit www.scamalert.sg.
Reporting UML and Loan Scams
If you have information on UML or loan scams, report them:
- Call '999' for urgent cases requiring immediate Police assistance.
- Police hotline:1800-255-0000 (for non-urgent cases)
- Submit information online: www.police.gov.sg/iwitness
- File a Police report online or at your nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre (for non-urgent cases requiring investigation)
- Anti-scam helpline: 1800-722-6688 (to verify suspicious calls or messages related to loan scams)
Help keep Singapore safe
Share this information with your friends and family. Together, we can combat UML and loan scams in our community.