Meta Ordered to Address Facebook Impersonation Scams in Singapore

Meta Platforms has been ordered by Singapore to address government impersonation scams on Facebook. The company specializes in online social networking services, with net sales primarily generated from the operation of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Net sales are distributed geographically across the United States, Canada, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and other regions.

Singapore has ordered Meta Platforms to implement stringent anti-scam measures on Facebook to combat government official impersonation scams. The directive, issued under the Online Criminal Harms Act, comes in response to a surge in such scams, with more than 1,760 cases reported in the first half of 2025, representing a 200% increase from the previous year [2].

The order requires Meta to address scam advertisements, accounts, profiles, and business pages impersonating key government officials. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to S$1 million ($775,698) [1]. Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming stated that Facebook is the primary platform used by scammers for such impersonation scams, necessitating more decisive action [2].

In August 2024, Singapore's home affairs ministry found that over a third of all e-commerce scams were perpetrated on Facebook, with Facebook Marketplace rated as the weakest among six e-commerce marketplaces in terms of anti-scam features [1]. The ministry has previously criticized Meta for not implementing adequate safeguards, such as verifying users against government-issued identification or offering secured payment options [1].

The directive is part of Singapore's broader anti-scam strategy, which includes four pillars: pre-emptive prevention and blocking, reporting and detection, firm action against scammers, and public education [2]. The government is also working closely with other online platforms, such as TikTok, to implement anti-scam measures [2].

Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company will need to comply with the directive as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the police [2].

References:

[1] Reuters. (2025, September 3). Singapore orders Meta to implement anti-scam measures or face possible fine. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/singapore-orders-meta-implement-anti-scam-measures-or-face-possible-fine-2025-09-03/

[2] Channel NewsAsia. (2025, September 3). Singapore orders Meta to implement measures addressing government official impersonation scams on Facebook. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-meta-measures-government-official-impersonation-scam-facebook-meta-directive-5329831