相信熟悉我的朋友都知道，我是一个搞投资的，其次才是文史作者。记得前年的时候，我和几个朋友提到投资股票，我说A股和美股的投资，逻辑是不同 的：因为中国是中国，美国是美国。用中国市场的思维做美股，容易亏死；一样的，用美国思维来A股市场套现，也容易亏个精光。 其实看历史也一样：世界说大不大，说小不小，因此虽然很多事情存在一个普遍性、一致性，但也存在地域差：比如用中国人的视角看印度历史，用阿拉伯 的视角看中国史，或者用东亚视角看美国历史，可能都会出现差之毫厘谬以千里的现象。 当然，这种富人的财富安全也很脆弱。 今天本文就要说说邓通的例子。 1、近臣起家 邓通，在中国历史上被视为一个富可敌国的存在。 邓通是四川人，本来是宫廷里的一个小吏，后来因为偶然因素得到汉文帝的赏识，于是得到汉文帝的提拔。史书上描述，认为邓通没什么才干，汉文帝之所 以喜欢邓通，是因为邓通能够给汉文帝取悦汉文帝。当然，按照现在的观念来看，是提供情绪价值。 不过，对于汉文帝器重邓通，我个人觉得，更是因为天子有时候会为了平衡朝廷的各方势力，需要扶持一些没什么根基、背景的近臣。因为没根基、没背景 的人，其能量来源基本上就是皇帝的支持。所以这样的人对皇帝往往 ...

Core Viewpoint - Singapore, known as a "wealth haven," is increasingly becoming a hunting ground for scammers targeting high-net-worth individuals and family offices, exploiting gaps in the regulatory framework and trust issues, leading to significant financial losses for victims [1]. Group 1: Scam Statistics and Impact - In Singapore, 60% of individuals have encountered scams, with nearly half of these cases originating from Meta platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram [5][6]. - The average loss per person in Singapore reached $4,031 in 2023, the highest globally, with reported scam cases exceeding 51,501 and total losses surpassing $1.1 billion in 2024 [5][6]. - From January to April 2025, over 13,000 scam cases were reported, resulting in losses exceeding $313.7 million [6]. Group 2: Vulnerability of High-Net-Worth Individuals - High-net-worth individuals, despite their wealth, are often naive and fall victim to scams, as illustrated by cases where individuals were manipulated into investing large sums in fraudulent schemes [7][9]. - Scammers have targeted wealthy individuals through sophisticated methods, including impersonating professionals and creating fake investment opportunities, leading to significant financial losses [9][10]. Group 3: Regulatory and Institutional Challenges - The Singapore government and institutions like Temasek have faced challenges in preventing scams, with high-profile cases involving altered images and fake applications leading to substantial financial losses for investors [12][14]. - Temasek's investments in fraudulent companies like FTX and eFishery resulted in significant financial setbacks, raising questions about due diligence practices [14]. Group 4: Characteristics of Scammers - Scammers in Singapore employ various tactics, including impersonating professionals, creating a facade of legitimacy, and establishing long-term relationships to build trust before executing scams [16][17]. - The use of advanced technology, such as AI-generated content and deepfake videos, has made it increasingly difficult for even seasoned investors to identify scams [17]. Group 5: Underlying Issues in Family Offices - The rapid growth of family offices in Singapore, with over 2,000 established by 2024, has attracted scammers who exploit the vulnerabilities inherent in these structures [19][20]. - High-net-worth individuals often rely on personal networks for investment decisions, which can lead to inadequate risk assessment and increased susceptibility to scams [20][21]. Group 6: Singapore's Appeal to Scammers - Singapore's status as a major financial center, with its favorable tax regime and strong privacy protections, makes it an attractive location for scammers to operate and launder money [22][23]. - The ease of obtaining legitimate identities through investment immigration programs has allowed scammers to establish a presence in Singapore, complicating enforcement efforts [23][24]. Group 7: The Dual Nature of Singapore - While Singapore is a global financial hub, it also faces challenges related to cross-border crime and money laundering, necessitating a balance between regulatory compliance and operational freedom for financial institutions [26][28].

Core Viewpoint - Singapore, known as a "wealth haven," is increasingly becoming a hunting ground for scammers targeting high-net-worth individuals and family offices, leading to significant financial losses and raising concerns about wealth security and regulatory upgrades [1][3]. Group 1: Scam Incidents and Statistics - In 2024, Singapore reported 51,501 scam cases with losses exceeding $1.1 billion, marking the first time annual scam losses surpassed $1 billion [10]. - The average loss per person in Singapore in 2023 was $4,031, the highest among all countries [10]. - From January to April 2025, over 13,000 scam cases were reported, with victims losing more than $313.7 million [11]. Group 2: Targeted Individuals and Methods - High-net-worth individuals, including a Singaporean actor and a financial director, have fallen victim to scams involving fake investment opportunities and impersonation tactics [12][15]. - Scammers often exploit trust and relationships, using sophisticated methods such as deepfake technology and long-term engagement to build credibility before executing their schemes [31][32]. Group 3: Regulatory and Institutional Responses - The Singapore government and institutions like Temasek have issued warnings about investment scams, highlighting the need for increased vigilance [19][20]. - Temasek faced significant losses from investments in fraudulent companies like FTX, leading to scrutiny over its due diligence processes [22][25]. Group 4: Characteristics of Scammers - Scammers in Singapore employ various tactics, including impersonating professionals, creating a facade of legitimacy, and leveraging the country's strong financial reputation to gain trust [27][29][30]. - The scams range from phishing and investment fraud to identity theft and loan scams, showcasing the diverse and evolving nature of fraudulent activities [27][28]. Group 5: Vulnerabilities of High-Net-Worth Individuals - High-net-worth individuals often exhibit vulnerabilities such as over-reliance on personal networks for investment decisions and a tendency to trust the "Singapore label" without thorough verification [36][37]. - The pursuit of high returns and confidentiality in asset management can make wealthy individuals prime targets for scams [38]. Group 6: Singapore's Appeal to Scammers - Singapore's status as a global financial center with a favorable regulatory environment and strong privacy protections makes it attractive for scammers to operate [40][41]. - The ease of obtaining legitimate identities and the high volume of international capital flow create opportunities for fraudulent activities [42][44]. Group 7: Broader Implications - The rise in scams poses challenges for Singapore's reputation as a secure financial hub, necessitating a balance between regulatory oversight and the freedom of financial operations [49].