The Police have arrested a 25-year-old woman for her involvement in a series of rental scams.
On 22 February 2023, the Police received reports from two victims who had responded to online advertisements offering rental of residential units. After the victims paid the deposits, the woman was purportedly unable to fulfil the rental agreement.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Tanglin Police Division established the identity of the woman and arrested her on 23 February 2023.
The woman is assisting with investigations into the offence of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
The Police would like to advise members of the public to adopt the following precautionary 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.