Rental Scams Are Back — Don’t Pay Before Checking These 3 Things

 

 Rental scams are making a comeback in Singapore, affecting both tenants and landlords. With high demand for rental properties and online platforms making it easy to list or fake apartments, knowing the warning signs before handing over any money is essential. This guide explains the current trends, walks you through three crucial checks to do before paying rent or deposits, and provides practical steps if you suspect a scam. Whether you’re a local resident or moving to Singapore, a little due diligence could save you thousands.

Why Rental Scams Are Rising in Singapore

 Singapore’s property market remains strong, with high rental demand from expatriates, families, and local professionals. Limited supply of certain unit types, shifting work patterns, and students or professionals moving between jobs create opportunities for scammers. Fraudsters exploit this pressure by posting fake listings or hijacking legitimate ones, aiming to steal deposits and rental payments from unsuspecting tenants.

Common Tactics Scammers Use

Rental fraudsters in Singapore employ several strategies to trick unsuspecting tenants:

• Fake listings – Attractive photos and low rents lure renters. Scammers often copy images from legitimate listings or overseas properties.
• Listing hijack – Impersonating landlords or agents, scammers use convincing documents and communication to gain trust.
• Pressure to pay quickly – Urgency is manufactured through fake deadlines, claiming multiple interested tenants or landlord pressure.
• Off-platform payments – Scammers insist on PayNow, bank transfers, or e-wallet payments instead of secure platforms or bank cheques.
• Fake tenancy agreements – Contracts appear legitimate but contain errors or clauses designed to benefit the scammer.
• Recent Rental Scam Trends in Singapore Popular classifieds targeted – Platforms like Carousell, PropertyGuru, and Facebook rental groups see increased scam activity.
• More professional-looking scams – Scammers use stolen IDs, fake tenancy agreements, and even cloned phone numbers to appear authentic.
• Targeting foreigners – Expats unfamiliar with local rental processes are often approached, as they may send money before verifying listings.

Rental Scams Are Back — Don’t Pay Before Doing These 3 Checks

With rental scams rising in Singapore, it’s essential to verify the property, the person, and the paperwork before transferring any money. Here’s a step-by-step guide to stay safe:

1) Verify the Property — Confirm Ownership and Listing Authenticity

Why This Matters

Even a convincing listing could be for a property the scammer doesn’t own or isn’t authorised to rent. Verifying ownership prevents losing your deposit on a flat that isn’t genuinely available.

How to Check

• Schedule an in-person viewing – Always visit the unit. Excuses to avoid viewings are red flags.
• Confirm unit details – Get the exact address, floor, and unit number, cross-check on property portals and maps.
• Check ownership for private properties – Request a title deed or strata roll document; ensure IDs match ownership.
• Verify HDB flats – Ask for the HDB property statement or contact HDB to confirm subletting eligibility. Search for duplicate listings – Use reverse image search to spot stolen photos.
• Use Google Street View and maps – Match exterior photos and landmarks with the listing.
• Check local forums – Condo or neighbourhood WhatsApp/Facebook groups can flag suspicious listings. Red Flags Rent unusually low compared to similar units. Refusal to meet at the unit or insistence on alternative locations. Photos inconsistent with the unit layout or duplicated from other listings.

2) Verify the Person — Ensure They Are the Owner or Legitimate Agent

Why This Matters

Scammers impersonate landlords or agents to collect deposits. Even with a real property, the person may not have legal authority to rent it out.

How to Check

• Meet face-to-face and ask for ID – Landlords should show ID; agents should show their EA licence and registration. Verify on the CEA website.
• Check the agency – Confirm the agency’s official contact details independently and call to verify the agent.
• Cross-check contact details – Watch for phone numbers or emails that don’t match the agency or owner.
• Request proof of authorisation – For private property, ask for an authorisation letter; for sublets, confirm with HDB and the owner.
• Use video calls for remote verification – Request a live video showing the property and ID.
• Beware of cloned details – Scammers may clone agency logos or real agent profiles. Always confirm independently.

Red Flags

• Agent refuses to meet or provide license. 
• Owner absent with a “representative” collecting money without paperwork.
• Free-domain emails or phone numbers mismatching agency or owner.
• Pressure to pay a deposit immediately due to fake multiple offers. 

3) Verify the Paperwork — Never Pay Without a Proper Tenancy Agreement

Why This Matters

 A tenancy agreement outlines your rights and obligations. Scammers use fake contracts or pressure you to pay “holding deposits” without proper documentation.

How to Check

• Demand a written tenancy agreement – Should include rental amount, deposit, period, payment schedule, and utilities; HDB rules apply for flats.
• Inspect the agreement carefully – Look for errors, inconsistent dates, unusual clauses, or instructions to pay via e-wallet or third-party accounts.
• Check security deposit handling – Deposits should be reasonable and refundable under clear conditions.
• Verify bank account details – Ensure payments go to the landlord’s or agency’s official account.
• Use a professional for complex cases – Licensed agents or lawyers can review contracts for a small fee.
• Ask for proof of keys – Landlords should provide keys or confirm handover arrangements.
• Keep records – Photograph or scan signatures, IDs, agreements, and maintain communication logs.

Red Flags

• Missing or vague clauses on termination, deposits, or inventory.
• Pressure to pay before signing or signing blank contracts.
• Requests for payment via crypto, e-wallets, or unfamiliar platforms without receipts.

Immediate Steps to Take After Encountering a Rental Scam

1. Stop all payments immediately – If you haven’t transferred money, pause and verify details before proceeding.
2. Collect and save evidence – Screenshot conversations, emails, listings, bank details, and any documents provided.
3. Report to the police – File a report via Police@SG or at a Neighbourhood Police Centre with all evidence.
4. Notify the platform – Report the fraudulent listing on Carousell, PropertyGuru, or other platforms so it can be removed quickly.
5. Contact your bank right away – If money was transferred, alert your bank to attempt a recall or freeze.
6. Seek help from authorities and consumer groups – Reach out to CASE for advice, HDB if it involves a flat, or CEA if an agent is suspected.

Resource Links

CEA Public Register: https://www.cea.gov.sg/PublicRegister

HDB Subletting Rules: https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/renting-a-flat

CASE Consumer Advice: https://www.case.org.sg

Police@SG e-Services: https://www.police.gov.sg/e-services

Conclusion

 Stay Vigilant and Protect Yourself from Rental Scams Rental scams continue to target tenants and landlords across Singapore, especially older tenants and first-time renters who may be unfamiliar with local rental processes. The key to staying safe is verification and caution: always confirm the property, check the person’s identity and license, and review all paperwork before making any payments.

 Paying attention to red flags, keeping thorough records, and using official channels like CEA, HDB, CASE, and Police@SG can prevent financial loss and help authorities take action against scammers. Remember, urgency and high-pressure tactics are common tools of fraudsters—slow down, verify independently, and don’t let emotion override common sense.

 By following these practical steps and staying informed, you not only protect yourself but also help make Singapore’s rental market safer for everyone. 

Stay smart, stay safe and stay vigilant with Scam.SG.