Unlicensed moneylenders (“Ah Long”) often approach people through unsolicited SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media. If you suspect you’ve been targeted—or worse, harassed—reporting early helps protect you and others, and it gives the Police stronger evidence to act on.
Below is a practical step-by-step guide you can follow immediately.
Step 1: Stop engaging and do not share more personal details
Once you suspect the lender is unlicensed, stop replying. Don’t negotiate, don’t argue, and don’t send additional personal information (NRIC, Singpass screenshots, payslips, address). If you’ve already shared details, don’t panic—just proceed to the next steps and report.
Step 2: Preserve evidence (this is the most important part)
Before you block the number, save proof. Evidence helps enforcement and makes your report far more actionable.
Capture and keep:
- Screenshots of messages (WhatsApp/SMS/Telegram), including the phone number and timestamps
- Call logs showing missed/received calls
- Any loan “terms” sent to you (interest, fees, repayment threats)
- Bank transfer details / PayNow screenshots (if any)
- Photos of vandalism / notes left at your home
- Any threats sent to you or your family
The Singapore Police Force advises reporting unlicensed moneylending and submitting information online via i-Witness.
Step 3: Report it through the right channel (choose 1–2 options)
Option A: Submit online via SPF i-Witness (recommended)
This is ideal if you have screenshots and details to attach.
Option B: Call the Police hotline
SPF’s advisory lists the Police hotline as 1800-255-0000 for reporting unlicensed moneylending.
Option C: Make a Police report at your nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC)
Useful if you prefer in-person reporting, or if there’s ongoing harassment.
Urgent danger right now? Call 999
If you need urgent police assistance, call 999 immediately.
Optional support line (advice): X-Ah Long hotline
For advice on unlicensed moneylending matters, the ‘X-Ah Long’ hotline 1800-924-5664 is commonly referenced publicly.
Step 4: Verify whether the lender is actually licensed
Sometimes scammers pretend to be legitimate. Before you trust any company name, check the official Ministry of Law – Registry of Moneylenders list of licensed moneylenders.
If the lender is not on that list (or refuses to provide a verifiable licence/office address), treat it as suspicious and report.
Step 5: Protect yourself after reporting
After you’ve saved evidence and reported:
- Block the number(s) on your phone
- Tighten privacy on social media (hide phone number, workplace, address)
- Tell close family members not to respond to unknown numbers
- If you’re receiving repeated harassment, keep logging every incident and update your report
Step 6: Choose safer borrowing options going forward
If your situation started because you needed urgent funds, the safest path is to borrow only from regulated sources—banks or licensed moneylenders in Singapore—and verify the lender on the Ministry of Law registry first.
At Sands Credit, the approach is simple: transparent terms, proper documentation, and regulated lending practices—so borrowers can make informed decisions without pressure.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the fastest way to report unlicensed moneylending in Singapore?
A: Submit information online via SPF i-Witness or call the Police hotline 1800-255-0000.
Q: When should I call 999 instead?
A: Call 999 if you need urgent police assistance—e.g., you feel threatened, someone is at your door, or there’s immediate danger.
Q: What evidence should I keep before reporting?
A: Keep screenshots of SMS/WhatsApp/Telegram messages (with timestamps), call logs, bank transfer/PayNow details (if any), and photos/videos of harassment or vandalism. The more evidence you provide, the easier it is for enforcement to act.
Q: Can I report anonymously?
A: Yes. i-Witness allows you to submit information with or without providing your contact details.
Q: Is there a hotline for advice on unlicensed moneylending matters?
A: Yes— you can call the National Crime Prevention Council’s X-Ah Long hotline: 1800-924-5664 for advice.
Q: How do I check if a moneylender is licensed before I borrow?
A: Verify the lender on the Ministry of Law’s Registry of Moneylenders – List of Licensed Moneylenders. If they’re not listed, don’t proceed.