A 36-year-old man believed to be involved in at least six cases of rental scams has been arrested, the Police said in a statement yesterday.
There were at least six similar reports lodged between January and February 2015 by victims who responded to online advertisements regarding a room rental at Block 262 Serangoon Central (pictured).
All the victims were then directed to make deposits ranging from $800 to $1900 before they would be able to move into the flat.
After collecting the deposits, the suspect would be uncontactable.
The suspect was arrested on 25 February 2015 in Eunos after extensive follow-up investigations and enquiries, and he will be charged in court today for Cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224. If found guilty, he may be imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and face a fine.
Tenants are advised to visit the flat they want to rent and ensure the person they are dealing with is the rightful flat owner. They should also request documentary proof of flat ownership that bears the flat owner’s name.
Additionally, flat owners should register the subletting with HDB within seven days from the subletting date.
Police also advises members of the public to seek service from a licensed estate agent or registered salesperson.
Muneerah Bee, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email muneerah@propertyguru.com.sg
