Quick Takeaway: If a lender contacts you first via SMS or WhatsApp, asks for upfront fees, or won't meet in person, it's an Ah Long — not a licensed moneylender. Always verify against MinLaw's Registry before sharing any document or money. 1. Why This Matters More Than Ever Loansharking in Singapore has gone digital. Illegal lenders no longer splash paint — they send polished WhatsApp messages, build professional-looking websites, and clone the names of real licensed firms. T