Two men arrested for Hougang rental scam

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Two Chinese males, aged 28 and 38, were arrested for their alleged involvement in at least 30 cases of rental scams. The victims were cheated of money they had paid in advance for rental payments and deposits.

At least 7 cases of flat rental scams were reported between August and September. In all these cases, the victims had responded to advertisements placed online to rent a unit in Hougang Avenue 8.

The suspects would then arrange with the victims to view the unit, and collect money ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 as advance payment and deposit for the flat rental. The victims were told that they could move into the unit in September. However, after collecting the money, the suspects would become uncontactable.

Police arrested both suspects on September 11 in the vicinity of Block 684 Hougang Avenue 8 and Collyer Quay respectively.

The suspects will be charged in court for the offence of cheating with common intention which carries a punishment of up to 10 years' jail and a fine.

Police advise members of the public to adopt the following crime prevention measures when seeking to rent a unit:

a) Visit the flat you wish to rent and ensure that the person you are dealing with is the rightful flat owner. Request documentary proof of flat ownership that bears the flat owner's name.

b) Ensure that the owner registers the subletting of the flat with HDB within 7 days from the subletting date.

c) Seek service from a licensed estate or property agent.