A married couple in Singapore has been convicted for cheating the wife’s lover of $220,000 through a series of fake property investment deals. The pair fabricated multiple real estate opportunities, including bogus investment returns, false ownership claims and imaginary transactions — all designed to exploit the victim’s trust.

How the Scam Was Carried Out

Investigations revealed that the couple invented a series of “exclusive investment opportunities” involving overseas and local properties. None of these deals existed in reality.

• They claimed they had access to off-market property units.
• They promised guaranteed profits and early access to “developer units”.
• They falsely claimed they needed upfront capital to “secure” deals.
• They fabricated WhatsApp messages, documents and payment instructions.

Over time, the victim transferred a total of $220,000, believing the opportunities were real.

Why the Victim Trusted Them

The fraud was made possible because the couple exploited:

• personal trust and emotional vulnerabilities,
• fabricated property knowledge,
• misrepresentation of connections with developers and agents.

This is not the first case where romantic or personal relationships were used to legitimise fraudulent property schemes.

Red Flags in This Case

Several warning signs were present but overlooked:

• Promises of high guaranteed returns.
• Urgent requests for fast transfers.
• Lack of official documentation from licensed entities.
• No proof of ownership, no caveat, no title deed, no contract.
• Unrealistic profit projections.

These are classic indicators of property scams — which have increased in frequency since 2020.

What Home Buyers and Investors Should Learn

Whether you are exploring a property investment or resale purchase, always remember:

• Verify seller / agent CEA licence numbers.
• Check the property’s ownership via INLIS / SLA property search.
• Ensure money is never transferred to a private party “holding funds”.
• Be wary of anyone promising risk-free returns.
• Always request official documentation.

TopBroker View: Why Scams Target Property Deals

Real estate transactions often involve large sums, making them attractive to scammers. Fraudsters prey on:

• buyers unfamiliar with market processes,
• investors looking for “exclusive” off-market deals,
• victims who trust someone close to them.

The safest approach: If a property deal cannot be verified through official channels, do not proceed.

Protect Yourself from Property Scams

Whether you are purchasing residential units, commercial property, shophouses or industrial assets, always conduct:

• independent checks through lawyers and licensed agents,
• valuation comparisons,
• URA, SLA, and HDB verification.

Professional due diligence can prevent costly losses and safeguard your investments.