Some good news for unfortunate victims of rental scams - Eric Heng Jit Siang who cheated 127 persons for over $240,000 in his rental scam was jailed for 6 years and 3 months. However, if he behaves well while in jail, he could be released after serving only 2/3 of his sentence. He made no restitution to his victims.
His method of cheating was to rent the same residences to more than one person for the same period. Therefore he obviously he could not perform his contract obligations even when he signed the relevant contracts. This was proof of his intent to cheat. Remember - cheating is shown when you can prove the criminal had no intention of carrying out the contract right at the start (not easy to show in most cases).
Sadly, his jail time will not get the victims there money back. However, if he owns any property, there is a chance to sue him later but this may well cost more money.
For the very poor, contact the Legal Aid Bureau under the Ministry of Law at http://app.minlaw.gov.sg/lab/default.asp
for legal advice.
Showing posts with label Rentals of flats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rentals of flats. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Rental deposits and cheating
A previous post dealt with cheating by dishonest flat owners or agents, in relation to rental deposits.
How to prove cheating? If the other party knew that he could never deliver on his promises. For example, if the landlord rents out a flat that is occupied by a legal tenant, and there are no grounds for the landlord to evict the existing tenant.
Another common example - renting one flat out to several tenants promising each of them occupation of the entire flat. Obviously, the landlord would not be able to carry out his promise to each of them.
Report such cases to the police and follow up with them to find out the progress of investigations.
Many offenders found guilty of cheating end up in jail. What factor that is important in deciding on punishment is whether restitution has been made. In other words, whether the offender has repaid all or some of the illegally obtained money.
How to prove cheating? If the other party knew that he could never deliver on his promises. For example, if the landlord rents out a flat that is occupied by a legal tenant, and there are no grounds for the landlord to evict the existing tenant.
Another common example - renting one flat out to several tenants promising each of them occupation of the entire flat. Obviously, the landlord would not be able to carry out his promise to each of them.
Report such cases to the police and follow up with them to find out the progress of investigations.
Many offenders found guilty of cheating end up in jail. What factor that is important in deciding on punishment is whether restitution has been made. In other words, whether the offender has repaid all or some of the illegally obtained money.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Dishonest flat owners
Today's Sunday Times newspaper deals with dishonest flat owners and agents.
Singapore has generally a low crime rate. However, this does not mean everyone here is an angel. Like any other place, one should take basic precautions.
Some general advice - before handing a cheque to anyone, find out who they are. Take down their particulars including their full name, identity card number (or passport number) and address. Name cards can easily be printed by anyone and since most do not have photographs, they are next to useless as a means of identification.
Nowadays with handphone cameras are so common, you should even consider taking a picture of the person making promises to you. A picture is worth a thousand words but in court, a picture may be worth 5 witnesses.
Singapore has generally a low crime rate. However, this does not mean everyone here is an angel. Like any other place, one should take basic precautions.
Some general advice - before handing a cheque to anyone, find out who they are. Take down their particulars including their full name, identity card number (or passport number) and address. Name cards can easily be printed by anyone and since most do not have photographs, they are next to useless as a means of identification.
Nowadays with handphone cameras are so common, you should even consider taking a picture of the person making promises to you. A picture is worth a thousand words but in court, a picture may be worth 5 witnesses.
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