Scam in SingaporeOn the street
Bogus monks asking for donations in Singapore
How it works
People dressed in monks' robes approach tourists for donations. They are usually bogus.
Warning signs
- Someone in robes approaches you for money.
- They keep pressing you to donate.
How to avoid it
- Decline and keep walking.
- Do not let pressure make you hand over money.
If it happens to you
Move away if the person keeps pestering you. Report threatening behaviour to the police.
- Move to a safe place. Call 999 if you face immediate danger.
- Contact your card issuer immediately if a card, card details or payment account may be at risk. Ask about blocking access and disputing the payment.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and screenshots. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report theft or fraud to the Singapore Police Force as soon as possible. Use 1799 for a police scam enquiry.
- For a shop dispute, call 1800-736-2000. For a taxi charge, contact the taxi company with your receipt.
- Contact your insurer if you may claim for a loss. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement help.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- News2025Man in monk's robes seen in Bras Basah asking tourists for moneyTourists reported being offered Buddhist beads and blessings for a S$20 donation by a robed man whom a Buddhist federation representative suspected was not a genuine monk.Read on News
- Redditr/singapore2026Men in monk robes ask for money in Bugis during CNY, public calls police - Mothership.SGThe thread discusses police calls about robed men soliciting money in Bugis, with commenters describing similar encounters elsewhere in Singapore.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the bogus monks asking for donations scam in Singapore?
People dressed in monks' robes approach tourists for donations. They are usually bogus.
How can I spot it early?
Someone in robes approaches you for money. They keep pressing you to donate.
How do I avoid bogus monks asking for donations in Singapore?
Decline and keep walking. Do not let pressure make you hand over money.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move away if the person keeps pestering you. Report threatening behaviour to the police.
Where in Singapore does this happen?
Streets and areas visited by tourists.
How common is this scam in Singapore?
Occasional. Singapore has a low risk of tourist scams. Most taxi drivers and shopkeepers are honest, but watch for bogus monks asking for donations, shop rip-offs, disputed taxi charges and pickpockets in crowds.
Who can I report it to?
Singapore Police Force: report crimes as soon as possible. Call 999 for an emergency, or use emergency SMS on 71999. Police scam enquiry: call 1799. Local call rates apply. Singapore Tourism Board: for a shop rip-off, call the free domestic hotline on 1800-736-2000. Small Claims Tribunal: at 1 Havelock Square. An expedited process for tourists can resolve simple cases within 24 hours. Taxi company: contact the operator shown on your taxi or receipt. Ask it to explain disputed charges and provide your journey details. Card issuer or payment provider: use its official app or contact number to report unauthorised payments, block cards and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Singapore?
Police emergency: 999, Police emergency SMS: 71999, Police scam enquiry: 1799, Ambulance and fire emergency: 995, Ambulance and fire emergency SMS for deaf people: 70995.
Reviewed by @snuck