Hazel Poa on Protection from Scams Bill
The Protection from Scams Bill that is being debated is a “groundbreaking one”, said NCMP Hazel Poa. If passed, Singapore could be the first country in the world to allow the police to restrict bank accounts and an individual's banking transactions if there is reasonable belief that the individual will make transfers to a scammer, she said in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 7). Ms Poa pointed out that the Bill is well-intentioned, as allowing the police to restrict a potential victim’s bank account for 30 days in the first instance and up to 180 days in total will give the police, banks or family members more time for preventive action. However, money in the bank accounts belongs to the account holders, she said. Ms Poa suggested introducing a provision for individuals to opt out, subject to safeguards. One way is to have a 30-day period before the opting out takes effect. The opting out must be done in person, with a compulsory counselling session, she added.
The Protection from Scams Bill that is being debated is a “groundbreaking one”, said NCMP Hazel Poa. If passed, Singapore could be the first country in the world to allow the police to restrict bank accounts and an individual's banking transactions if there is reasonable belief that the individual will make transfers to a scammer, she said in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 7). Ms Poa pointed out that the Bill is well-intentioned, as allowing the police to restrict a potential victim’s bank account for 30 days in the first instance and up to 180 days in total will give the police, banks or family members more time for preventive action. However, money in the bank accounts belongs to the account holders, she said. Ms Poa suggested introducing a provision for individuals to opt out, subject to safeguards. One way is to have a 30-day period before the opting out takes effect. The opting out must be done in person, with a compulsory counselling session, she added.
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