Singapore is facing a scam epidemic, with billions of dollars lost since 2020. However, there are frontline heroes who are fighting against these scams and protecting vulnerable customers. One such hero is Fionice Teoh, a pregnant DBS banker who foiled a $200,000 scam. Teoh, who was 38 weeks pregnant at the time, noticed that an elderly woman was constantly on her phone, following instructions from unknown parties. She became suspicious and delayed the withdrawal, alerting DBS’s anti-scam team.
The woman had been manipulated into believing that her cash needed to be “examined” for money laundering and was being controlled by scammers who were impersonating officials. Despite the woman’s initial hostility and frustration, Teoh’s persistence bought time for the authorities to intervene. It was later discovered that the victim had already withdrawn $12,000 elsewhere. The scammers had been exploiting the woman’s fear and trust in authority, pressuring her into secrecy and controlling her every move.
The scale of the scam problem in Singapore is staggering, with more than $4 billion lost since 2020. Impersonation scams alone have drained $151.3 million in 2024. The authorities have responded with harsher penalties, including caning, to deter offenders. However, laws alone cannot stop scams, and frontline vigilance is crucial in preventing these crimes. Bank tellers and staff like Teoh play a vital role in detecting and preventing scams, often putting themselves in difficult situations and facing hostility from victims who are confused and distrustful.
Teoh’s intervention saved the woman’s life savings, and the victim later returned to thank her with chocolates. This small gesture highlights the human cost of scams and the quiet heroism of those who stop them. Teoh’s bravery and quick thinking are an inspiration, and her story underscores the importance of frontline staff in the fight against scams. Her actions demonstrate that even in the face of hostility and adversity, one person can make a difference and prevent a scam from succeeding.