SINGAPORE: A 56-year-old female allegedly involved in a string of rental scams where victims lost more than S$35, 000 (RM112, 172) was charged within court on Saturday (Aug 27).
Geetha Priya Ravi, who faces one particular count of infidelity, is accused of deceiving her sufferers into thinking the girl had units readily available for rent to get these to fork out rental debris.
FURTHERMORE READ: SG police warn of property agent scam after close to 1, 1000 people lose almost S$4mil
According to charge paperwork, she allegedly cheated a man into moving her S$2, seven hundred (RM8, 653) in return for securing the rental of a flat in Jurong Western Central 3.
On Friday, the authorities said, between March and April this season, they received various reports from sufferers who responded to listings on Carousell offering units for rent.
They were informed to pay a down payment after viewing the system. After receiving the cash, the woman allegedly grew to become uncontactable.
Officials from Woodlands Law enforcement Division established her identity and arrested her on Friday .
The police stated: “Preliminary investigations exposed that she is believed to be involved in at least 20 similar cases of rental scams along with losses amounting in order to more than S$35, 000 (RM112, 172). ”
If convicted, Geetha can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined for each cheating offence.
The authorities said at least 997 people here have lost S$3. 9mil since January right after falling victim to scammers posing as property agents.
They urged the public to verify the details and contact number of any real estate agent they are dealing with.
“Ask to visit the unit plus verify with the proprietor if the rental offer exists, ” the authorities added. – The Straits Times (Singapore)/Asia News Network