According to a Police media release, a man has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of rental scams.
The 49-year-old man was arrested after several victims filed a Police report of the alleged scam case.
Investigations revealed that the man is involved in 20 other cases and allegedly cheated over $21,000.
How the scam works
The scammer would place property listings on Carousell and Facebook, victims would be told to pay a deposit to secure the property. After receiving the deposit the scammer would go missing in action.
Penalties
The 49-year-old will be charged today (April 16) with cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code 1871. The offence carries an imprisonment term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Advice
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.