# Singapore Proposes Default Sentencing for Young Scam Offenders

> Singapore's new law sets jail or reformative training as default for young scam offenders.
- Title: Singapore Proposes Default Sentencing for Young Scam Offenders
- Summary: Singapore's new law sets jail or reformative training as default for young scam offenders. Singapore's Sentencing (Scams) Bill makes jail or reformative…
- Keywords: singapore, sentencing, scam, young offenders, reformative training, jail, mha, news, world, Proposes, Default, Young
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/singapore/2026/11/03/singapore-proposes-jail-or-reformative-training-as-default-for-young-scam-offenders/241848
- Published: 2026-11-03T17:23:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: singapore, sentencing, scam, young offenders, reformative training, jail, mha, news, world
## Singapore Proposes New Law
Singapore's Sentencing (Scams) Bill would make reformative training or imprisonment the default sentence for young offenders convicted of scam and scam-enabling offences.
## High Court Ruling Contradicts Default
The High Court allowed four of six young offenders' appeals, replacing reformative training with probation and stating reformative training should not be the default sentence.
## Bill Overrides Court Decision
Under the proposed Bill, the High Court's decision will not be binding on courts when sentencing scam offenders or hearing appeals.
## Youth Scam Offences Rising
Over 1,000 youths were investigated in scam reports in 2025, with cheating offences rising 37 percent from 814 in 2024 to 1,114 in 2.025.
## MHA Calls for Deterrence
The Ministry of Home Affairs states Singapore's scam situation could deteriorate without a deterrent approach to young offenders.
## Default Sentencing Rules
Courts should consider reformative training or imprisonment as the primary sentence for offenders aged 21 and below unless exceptional circumstances exist.
## Key takeaway

Singapore's Sentencing (Scams) Bill makes jail or reformative training the default sentence for young scam offenders to deter crime.