The Police have arrested a 46-year-old woman for her suspected involvement in a series of home rental scams.
Between 10 January and 7 April 2021, the Police received six reports of home rental scams involving more than $10,000 lost by the victims. The victims had responded to online advertisements on a residential unit for rent at Bedok North, put up by the woman. She was the owner of the said unit. The woman had allegedly demanded for advance rental deposits and payments from victims interested in renting the unit.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the woman and arrested her on 27 April 2021. Preliminary investigations revealed that at least six victims were purportedly cheated.
The woman will be charged in court on 28 April 2021 with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The offence of cheating carries an imprisonment term which may extend to 10 years and a fine.
Members of the public are reminded to be wary of such scams and to adopt the following crime prevention measures:
- Ask to visit the property to verify that it exists;
- 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. This may help you discover if the listing is a well-known scam; and
- Do not pay rental deposits or rent to the salesperson. Payments should be made directly to the property owner and only after all parties have signed the tenancy agreement.
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
28 April 2021 @ 8:40 AM