Man allegedly scammed of $21k by ‘agent’ promising to help him apply for Singapore PR, Singapore News

At this time, Yang’s wife had become suspicious and tried to stop him, and they argued over the matter, Shin Min reported. Yang said he did not believe his wife. 

Separately, he also allegedly paid the agent $8,000 for a “re-entry permit”.

The man, who earns about $2,000 a month, scraped together the funds by borrowing from friends and his employer, according to the report.

‘Successful’ application

In May this year, Yang reportedly received a picture showing a Singapore blue identity card with his photograph on it.

He said he noticed his Singpass information remained the same, but the agent purportedly explained that he had to visit the immigration office in person for fingerprint verification, with the appointment scheduled for September.

Then, Yang was allegedly sent a certificate of shareholder dividends, from a company the “agent” claimed to help make him a shareholder in, on Aug 24 and asked to pay another $15,000.

Unable to afford the sum, he began doubting the agent.

Yang then checked the status of his application and found out that work permit holders are not eligible to apply for PR.

The police confirmed to Shin Min that a report was lodged, and they are investigating.

Yang told the Chinese paper that he is grateful for his wife’s understanding.

He said he has repaid $4,000 he borrowed from his employer, and is paying the remaining owed to friends.

According to an earlier police advisory, close to $400,000 have been lost to such scams between January and April this year.

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lim.kewei@asiaone.com