Scammers posing as Singapore Armed Forces personnel have hit seven local food businesses with fake bulk orders between September 8 and 13, 2025. The fraudsters vanish without paying or collecting the prepared food.
MINDEF confirmed the cases on September 14, filing police reports after investigations showed “no evidence that these individuals are affiliated with the SAF”.
Fresh Cases Hit Novena and Thomson Road
Sedap! nasi lemak restaurant in Novena prepared 150 packets after “Luke” called with an “urgent” army camp order. The caller said advance payment wasn’t possible since they were a “first time supplier” requiring documentation approval.
Yi Jia Bakery on Thomson Road lost $1,500 when “Gordon” ordered pastries for 150 people from Bedok Camp. He later claimed his phone was “broken” and contacted them from a different number. When the owner pressed for payment, the scammer said army staff had left for the day.
Same Pattern Hits Multiple Shops
Breaditation Bakery on Desker Road became the most publicized victim, losing $2,000 to another “Gordon” from Bedok Camp. They sold mystery boxes of leftover pastries for $30 each, clearing all stock by 8:30pm the same day.
Kiki Florist prepared 150 small bouquets and four extra-large ones within 48 hours after a “corporate order from the government” call. The loss exceeded $1,000.
Muhammad Shazain Faiha Muslim Food Paradise at Tiong Bahru Market cooked 150 packets of chicken and mutton briyani with mineral water bottles for someone claiming SAF affiliation.
Scammers Follow Identical Script
The fraudsters consistently request exactly 150 items. They create urgency by claiming military personnel need the food quickly. Deposit payments get dodged through supposed procedural restrictions or claims that army staff have left.
At Yi Jia Bakery, a supposed colleague called to check the order before most conversation messages mysteriously disappeared.
Businesses Rally on Social Media
Breaditation Bakery’s Instagram post drew over 1,000 followers who helped sell remaining stock. Muhammad Shazain Faiha Muslim Food Paradise used Facebook to sell discounted briyani to supportive customers. Yi Jia Bakery donated unsold food to Food from the Heart.
Official Warning Issued
MINDEF stated “the SAF takes a serious view of this” and urged “the public, including businesses, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police”. Their September 14 Facebook post confirmed none of the callers have military connections.
Singapore police are investigating these cases as part of broader bulk order fraud. Scam victims across the country have lost $126.5 million total across various fraud types.
The incidents affected businesses in Novena, Thomson Road, Desker Road, and Tiong Bahru Market.
