Man pays $8,550 to MIA 'agent' for Kallang condo -- only to be told by owner she isn't renting

A man lost $8,550 after trying to rent a condominium unit in Kallang and getting conned by a fake agent.

In response to a Stomp query, the police confirm that a report was lodged and investigations are ongoing.

Stomper Lin, a Myanmar national, said he came across a whole unit at Citylights condominium, located at 86 Jellicoe Road, up for rent.

He came across the listing by a Mr Kwek on iLiveSG.com, which purportedly offers places for rent with "no agent fee".

Lin was sent a video of the "fully furnished" two-bedroom unit, which comes with gym and pool facilities, near Lavender MRT station.

A man can be heard introducing the unit's "fantastic" view as well as a balcony and queen-sized bed in the master bedroom.

After showcasing the bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen and a spacious storeroom, the video ends with the man praising the unit's convenience and scenic views.

Lin told Stomp: "We arranged for a viewing on Jan 6, at around 7pm. After that, I planned to rent the whole unit and wanted to request a face-to-face meeting to sign the agreement letter.

"However, he told me an e-signature was required now and to transfer the money via internet banking.

"I saw that he had a few units listed under his account and trusted him, so I DocuSigned and transferred $8,550 (two months deposit of $5,700 and one month's rental fee of $2,850) to his DBS account on Jan 12, at 1.38pm.

The DBS account holder has a different name from Mr Kwek.

Lin said plans were made for the unit's keys to be handed over outside the condo apartment on Jan 17, at 6pm. However, the supposed agent never showed up.

The Stomper added: "I tried to contact him and sent him messages, but he did not respond nor pick up.

"Hence, I requested condo security to call the unit owner, who told me that she was the owner and had not authorised any agents to rent out her place."

At the advice of the unit owner, Lin made a police report on the same day.

He said: "Lesson learnt. I hope to share this so that no one will encounter a similar scam."