Restriction Orders Issued under Protection from Scams Act 2025

Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many restriction orders have been issued under the Protection from Scams Act 2025 since its commencement; (b) of these, how many have been varied or cancelled early; and (c) what progress has been made with banks on graduated restrictions, such as transaction limits or preserved GIRO payments, rather than requiring victims to apply for each withdrawal.

As of 15 February 2026, 12 Restriction Orders (ROs) have been issued. Of these, one had been lifted as the individual was assessed to no longer be at risk of transferring money to the scammer, two had ceased as they had reached the statutory maximum of five extensions, while nine remain in effect.

Scam victims subjected to an RO can apply to the Police to transfer or withdraw money from their bank accounts. About 10 out of the 12 RO recipients had requested for money withdrawals for daily expenses, which the Police had approved. The remaining two RO recipients did not request to transfer or withdraw any money.

Requests relating to funds for legitimate purposes, such as daily expenses and bills, are processed quickly to minimise inconvenience to the RO recipients. The banks have assessed that significant system changes are required to allow for graduated restrictions. We have therefore decided not to prioritise the development of such graduated restrictions at this time.