Common scam hooks turned into calligraphy at Maybank exhibition

Over $336 million was lost to investment scams in 2025, according to police figures.

Investment scams and government official impersonation scams were among the top five scam types that year.

Adam Tan, head of community financial services at Maybank Singapore, said that by putting these words on the wall and attaching their real-world cost, the bank hopes people will recognise the warning signs and pause before making a transfer.

“Scammers do not always need sophisticated methods. Often, they rely on a familiar name, an urgent request or a promise that sounds too good to miss,” he added.

Singapore has lost more than $4 billion to scams since 2019.

In the first half of 2026, victims lost $410.6 million across 16,821 reported cases, with eight in 10 victims manipulated into handing their money to scammers.

This showed that instead of gaining direct control of bank accounts, scammers were using social engineering to deceive victims into voluntarily making transactions.

There were 37,308 scam cases reported in the whole of 2025, with victims losing over $913 million that year.