The Police have arrested a 21-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of rental scams.
Between 13 and 19 October 2021, the Police received several reports from victims who were purportedly cheated by a Facebook user who had posted advertisements for room rentals. After payments were made by the victims via bank transfers, the seller became uncontactable.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Clementi Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 25 October 2021. Preliminary investigations revealed that he is believed to be involved in at least 4 four cases of rental scams with losses amounting to more than $3,000.
The man will be charged on 27 October 2021 with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The offence carries an imprisonment term which may extend up to 10 years and a fine.
Members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures to avoid falling prey to online purchase scams:
- Ensure the person you deal with is the rightful owner of the unit or an accredited real estate agent.
- Search for identical advertisements placed elsewhere on official property listing sites.
- Ask to visit the property to verify that the rental offer exists and is genuine.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit scamalert.sg or call the Anti-Scam Hotline at 1800-722-6688. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
26 October 2021 @ 7:30 PM