Over four years, Low spun a complex web of lies and false promises to trick at least 10 victims of more than S$150,000 (US$113,000). He even posed as a rich Korean heir named “Park Joon Hyung” to buy properties.
The 27-year-old eventually pleaded guilty to 16 charges, mostly of fraud, with another 35 taken into consideration for sentencing.
Low was sentenced to 67 months’ jail, fined S$1,800 and banned from driving until a year after his release from prison.
He has been dubbed Singapore’s version of the Tinder Swindler and spoke to CNA for its documentary series Catching a Scammer.
Some of Low’s victims believed he came from a wealthy family and that he harboured unrealised ambitions. Others were told that he was looking for a soulmate.
“I just gave him the benefit of the doubt. And being in Singapore, we feel that it’s very safe and to be scammed right in front of us? We just wouldn’t put two and two together,” said Chris.
Low convinced Chris to sign 10 mobile line contracts with three telecommunication companies. The lines would be paid for by their joint company, he said.
But the money never arrived in Chris’ bank account.