A Pregnant Bank Employee Saves a Customer from Scammers
In a remarkable incident that highlights the importance of vigilance and quick thinking, a heavily pregnant bank employee in Singapore successfully prevented a customer from losing over S$200,000 to scammers. The event took place at a DBS branch in Singapore and occurred just days before the employee went on maternity leave.
The situation unfolded on December 24, 2024, when an elderly woman, in her 70s, arrived at the Century Square branch requesting to withdraw S$190,000 in cash. Fionice Teoh, who was 38 weeks pregnant at the time, noticed that the customer was on the phone throughout the interaction and appeared to be following instructions from someone not present.
Teoh, who later recounted the incident, said she remained calm despite the customer’s frustration. The woman reportedly shouted, “This is my money, how can you control and not let me withdraw? If you don’t let me withdraw everything, I’ll close all my accounts.” However, Teoh understood that something was wrong and decided to take action.
She noticed that the customer initially claimed the money was for festive purchases but later changed her explanation to an investment. She also insisted on receiving the funds in cash, which raised red flags. Teoh alerted the bank’s anti-scam team and persuaded the woman to return the following day, giving police time to intervene.
That night, officers from the Anti Scam Centre visited the woman’s home and discovered that she had previously withdrawn S$12,000 from another branch and was preparing to hand it over to scammers. According to Deputy Superintendent Benedict Ng, the scammers had contacted the woman, claiming to be banking personnel and law enforcement officers. They convinced her that they needed to examine her cash as part of a money laundering investigation.
The woman had been reporting her whereabouts to the criminals several times a day and initially believed that DSP Ng was also a scammer. It took him about an hour to convince her that she was being deceived.
After the incident, the woman returned to the branch with chocolates to thank the staff for their help. This act of gratitude highlighted the positive outcome of Teoh’s quick thinking and dedication to protecting her customers.
The Growing Threat of Scams in Singapore
Singapore has seen a significant rise in scam-related losses in recent years. Since 2020, the country has recorded approximately S$4 billion in scam losses. In 2024 alone, there were 1,504 cases of government official impersonation scams reported, resulting in losses amounting to S$151.3 million.
To combat this growing threat, new laws have been introduced that allow for caning of convicted scammers. Depending on the severity of the offence, offenders can receive up to 24 strokes. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of fraud and protecting citizens from financial harm.
Lessons Learned
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying alert and cautious, especially when dealing with unexpected requests for large sums of money. It also highlights the critical role that employees in the banking sector play in identifying and preventing fraudulent activities.
Fionice Teoh’s actions demonstrate the value of remaining calm under pressure and prioritizing the safety of customers over routine transactions. Her quick response not only saved a customer from financial loss but also contributed to the successful intervention by law enforcement.
As scams continue to evolve, it is essential for individuals and institutions alike to remain vigilant and proactive in detecting and reporting suspicious activities. The collaboration between bank staff, anti-scam teams, and law enforcement plays a vital role in safeguarding the public from the growing threat of fraud.