The Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for his suspected involvement in a series of rental scams.
Between April and June 2025, the Police received reports from several victims of rental scams who had responded to online advertisements for room rentals. After the victims made payments via bank
transfer, the man purportedly became uncontactable.
Through follow-up investigations, officers from Jurong Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 23 June 2025. Preliminary investigations revealed that he is believed to be involved at least six similar cases of rental scams with losses amounting to more than $6000.
The man will be charged in court on 25 June 2025 with 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 remind members of the public to be wary of such scams and to adopt the following precautionary measures to avoid falling prey to rental scams:
- Do not make any advance payment until the tenancy is confirmed, and pay the rental deposit and rent by cheque or bank transfer for documentary proof;
- Visit the housing unit which you intend to rent to confirm its existence, check its condition, and look for potential signs of subletting; and
- Verify the identities of the person/s whom you are dealing with and their relationship to the housing unit, especially when you are not engaging the services of a licensed estate agent or registered salespersons.
For more information on scams, members of the public can visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the ScamShield Helpline at 1799. Anyone with information on such scams may call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online at www.police.gov.sg/i-witness.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
24 June 2025 @ 7:20 PM