SINGAPORE: A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a string of rental scams, police said on Tuesday (March 15).
Between January and March, police received reports from several rental scam victims who responded to online ads offering residential units for rent.
“The man was allegedly unable to be reached after the victim paid the deposit via bank transfer,” police said.
Police identified the man and he was arrested on Monday.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that he is believed to have been involved in 24 similar rental scams with losses in excess of S$54,700,” police added.
The man will be charged with cheating in court on Wednesday. If convicted, he could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.
Police are advising people to deal with an accredited real estate agent or the rightful owner of the unit to avoid falling prey to rental scams.
They should verify the agent’s details and contact number with the agency. Those looking to rent should also request a tour of the unit and check with the owner that the rental offer exists and is genuine.
Local real estate agents are also warning about rental scams, where scammers pose as real estate agents and demand deposits to secure viewings.
Huttons Group said on Monday the scammers would use fake Council of Estate Agents (CEA) IDs and then upload fake listings on “alternative platforms”.
When contacted, scammers will ask for a deposit to secure viewing of the property. But after receiving the deposit, the scammers were unable to reach out, Huttons said.
