The Police have arrested a 49-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of rental scams.
Between March to April 2022, the Police received several reports from victims of rental scams who had responded to listings on Facebook and Carousell purporting to offer a unit at Hong San Walk for rent. After viewing the unit in person, victims were asked to pay a deposit to the man to secure the rental. The man purportedly became uncontactable after the deposits were paid. Some victims also discovered that the same unit had been allegedly promised to other persons for the same period.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Woodlands and Jurong Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 14 April 2022. Preliminary investigations revealed that he is believed to be involved in 20 similar cases of rental scams with losses amounting to more than $21,000.
The man will be charged on 16 April 2022 with the offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871. 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 rental scams:
- Ensure that the person you deal with is a rightful owner of the unit or an accredited real estate agent by verifying their details and contact number with the agency; and
- Ask to visit the unit and verify with the owner if 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
15 April 2022 @ 5:15 PM