Man responds to job ad offering $150 for painting services, gets arrested for loanshark harassment

A 52-year-old man was arrested for his suspected involvement in loansharking activities after police officers saw him painting the gate of a flat along Bendemeer Road.

The police said they were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment at the residential unit on August 30.

They added: "Upon the arrival of police officers, the man was seen painting a gate of a unit with the gate being secured with a bicycle lock.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the man had responded to a job offer on an advertisement on a social media platform to provide painting services for a fee of $150.

"Investigations further revealed that his services were directed by an unlicensed moneylender to harass debtors."

The man was charged in court on August 31 under the Moneylenders Act 2008.

First-time offenders convicted of loanshark harassment face a fine of between $5,000 and $50,000, with up to five years in jail and up to six strokes of the cane.

The police reminded members of the public to exercise caution when taking up part-time jobs, especially those promising quick and easy money.

They added: "The police have zero tolerance for loanshark harassment activities. Those who deliberately vandalise properties, cause annoyance and disruption to public safety and security will be dealt with severely in accordance with the law."

Members of the public are advised to stay away from loansharks and not to work with or assist the loansharks in any way. You may call the police at '999' or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if you suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in loansharking activities.