Singaporean Woman Allegedly Conned Out of Savings & Family Heirlooms by Dating App ‘Widower’

What started as a hopeful online romance turned into a devastating web of deception, financial strain, and missing family keepsakes.

A Singaporean woman has come forward to warn the public about a man she met on Facebook Dating who spent two years allegedly posing as a devout, grieving widower—before she discovered he was legally married and living a double life.

The ‘Grieving Single Father’ Persona

After ending a long-term marriage, the victim connected with a man on FB Dating who claimed to be a widower born in 1968, raising a 10-year-old son on his own.

According to the victim, he went to extraordinary lengths to construct a tragic backstory:

• Elaborate Backstory: He shared detailed stories about seeking medical treatment overseas for his late wife, her funeral, and kept photos around his home to maintain the narrative.
• Claimed Medical & Financial Crises: He shared photos of ambulances arriving at his home, claiming family health emergencies, and presented altered documents and medical certificates to explain financial delays during the pandemic.
• Fake Personas: He allegedly used multiple phones to impersonate his own employer and colleagues to validate stories about unpaid salaries.
• Pious Front: He integrated himself with the victim’s family and friends while regularly presenting himself as a devout churchgoer seeking guidance.

Financial Strain & Missing Keepsakes

Believing he was going through severe financial hardship, the victim stepped in to assist with household expenses, his child’s tuition fees, and everyday necessities. She also lent him personal funds—including money set aside for her child’s school fees and a family event deposit.

The situation escalated when he allegedly borrowed gold jewelry under the pretense of sizing, as well as a luxury watch to be serviced.

The victim later alleged that while she was stretching her finances to support him, he was living a double life with his legal spouse.

Uncovering the Truth

Suspecting irregularities in his documents and address details, the victim conducted a search on the Registry of Marriages (ROM) database, which revealed he was legally married.

After filing a police report, the victim further discovered that several irreplaceable family keepsakes—including an heirloom from her late father and her child’s first-month gift—were missing from her residence and had reportedly been pawned.

Police subsequently tracked down and arrested the suspect.

Facing Upcoming Court Date

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on August 5 to face multiple pending charges.

While initial reports and officer assessments indicate that the offenses carry potential combined statutory maximum penalties of up to 12 years’ imprisonment, the court process is ongoing and no trial outcome or final sentencing has been determined.

“Tell the world that the unthinkable can happen… This is a cautionary tale to warn others to stay vigilant.”