Scammers use digitally altered Singapore ID cards to open illicit payment accounts

The Singapore Police Force has warned of a new scam method involving the use of digitally modified copies of Singapore identity cards to open payment accounts later used for illicit transactions.

According to a police media release on 12 November 2025, scammers first obtain soft copies of identity cards and digitally replace the original facial image with a new one. The altered version is then submitted to payment service providers (PSPs) to open accounts.

During facial verification checks, an accomplice resembling the doctored image is instructed to complete the “facial liveness” process, effectively impersonating the legitimate cardholder.

Police said that some of these misused identity cards belonged to individuals who had previously shared copies of their cards with scammers during earlier frauds.

Once opened, the accounts were used to receive scam proceeds or other unlawful funds.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has alerted all financial institutions to the modus operandi.

Affected PSPs have strengthened their verification systems and reviewed customer onboarding processes to prevent exploitation.

MAS reminded financial institutions to ensure their systems are “sufficiently robust” to detect and block fraudulent attempts at account creation.

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has urged businesses to use Singpass for identity verification in online transactions instead of soft copies of identity cards.

CSA also recommended that organisations monitor and report suspicious transactions during account setup, such as multiple unexplained deposits and withdrawals in a short timeframe.

Members of the public are strongly advised not to share images or copies of their identification documents without confirming the legitimacy of the requestor and the purpose.

The police also encouraged individuals to adopt the “Add, Check, Tell” anti-scam approach:

• Add: Use the ScamShield app, set transaction limits, enable banking notifications, and use Money Lock features.

• Check: Verify suspicious messages or calls using official sources such as the ScamShield helpline (1799).

• Tell: Report scams to the authorities, and alert family and friends to prevent further victims.

Under Section 468 of the Penal Code 1871, forging a document or electronic record with the intent to cheat carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine.

Authorities reiterated that businesses handling sensitive customer data must adopt secure verification systems and actively monitor potential signs of fraud.

For more information on scams and prevention measures, the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg