Singapore Man Sells HDB Flat, Loses S$123,000 to Online Romance Scam
A 59-year-old Singaporean man was left homeless and penniless after falling victim to an elaborate online love scam, in which he gave away his entire life savings and HDB flat proceeds—amounting to S$123,000—to a woman he believed was his future wife.
The victim, referred to only as Chen, shared his story with Chinese-language media in hopes of warning others about the emotional manipulation and financial devastation such scams can cause.
Facebook Romance Turns Into Financial Nightmare
Chen first met the woman, who claimed to be named Huang Ping, on Facebook in mid-2023. She introduced herself as a divorced single mother in her 30s, living in Hangzhou, China. Despite never meeting in person, their relationship quickly intensified. Within months, they were referring to each other as “husband” and “wife.”
The woman, who often appeared well-groomed in her profile photos, maintained daily contact with Chen. Through frequent calls and affectionate words, she built trust and a sense of emotional intimacy. But behind the screen, her intentions were far from genuine.
From Savings to Sold Flat — S$123K Lost in Total
Huang began asking for financial help only a few months into their relationship. Moved by sympathy and convinced he was supporting his future wife, Chen started transferring thousands of dollars at a time. His total losses from savings alone reached S$30,000 to S$40,000.
By 2024, Huang persuaded him to sell his three-room HDB flat in Ang Mo Kio and relocate to China for a new life together. He agreed, receiving about S$123,000 in compensation due to the flat’s redevelopment status. That entire amount was subsequently transferred to various bank accounts provided by Huang—some transactions as large as S$40,000.
His bank had issued multiple warnings about suspicious activity, but Chen ignored them. He even lied to bank staff to avoid scrutiny, later resorting to ATMs and cash withdrawals when transaction limits were imposed.
Victim Finally Comes Forward After Losing Everything
Chen’s turning point came only after the woman abruptly cut off contact in April 2025, claiming she was entering a six-month mourning period for her grandmother. That, coupled with deleted chat histories and his dwindling funds, finally convinced him he had been scammed.
Left without a home, he sought help from a friend, who immediately urged him to report the incident to police. On July 21, Chen filed an official report. Authorities have confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
New Anti-Scam Law Comes Too Late for Victim
Singapore’s recently implemented Protection from Scams Act 2025, which came into effect on July 1, allows the police to impose Restriction Orders to prevent vulnerable victims from transferring funds when scams are suspected. However, the law came too late for Chen, who had already lost everything by then.
The legislation is part of a national effort to tackle the surge in online scams targeting Singaporeans, particularly vulnerable individuals seeking companionship. Under the Act, banks can be ordered to block large transfers, even against the victim’s wishes, when there is compelling evidence of fraud.
“Love Blinded Me,” Says Man Rebuilding Life
Now living with a friend and trying to start over, Chen said he is focused on working and rebuilding his life from scratch.
“I was in a car accident earlier this year, and surviving that helped me realise what’s important. The money is gone — I have to move on. Love blinded me, but I hope my story opens others’ eyes,” he said.
He urged others to remain vigilant, especially when forming relationships online. “If someone you’ve never met starts asking for money, don’t be like me. Ask questions. Don’t ignore the signs.”
This case serves as a painful reminder that emotional scams don’t just break hearts — they can break lives.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News