Man who posed as HDB contractor and allegedly punched resident arrested for cheating over 19 victims

A 56-year-old man who posed as a Housing & Development Board (HDB) contractor and asked residents to pay deposits for 'repair works' has been arrested for his suspected involvement in a series of cheating cases.

In an earlier report, Stomp contributor Vernon shared how the man had visited his unit at Block 185 Toa Payoh Central on March 22 to offer patch work services for the ceiling.

Vernon turned down the man, who then approached his 76-year-old neighbour instead.

When 72-year-old Vernon intervened, the man allegedly punched him.

An HDB spokesman told Stomp in a March 26 statement that it was aware of the incident, adding: "We would like to clarify that the man does not work for HDB and HDB did not appoint him to carry out any works in HDB flats."

In a statement on Tuesday (Apr 2), the police said a 56-year-old man has been arrested for cheating more than 19 victims.

Stomp understands that the man is the same one whom Vernon encountered.

The police had received several reports between March 2018 and March 2019, about how the man identified himself as a HDB-appointed contractor and purportedly cheated victims into handing over deposits ranging from $100 to $300 for repair works.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that the man was neither authorised nor appointed by HDB for such works," added the police.

The man was nabbed on April 1 after officers from Bedok Police Division established his identity through follow-up investigations.

He will be charged in court on April 3 with cheating.

If found guilty, he may be jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

In their statement, the police also reminded members of the public to be vigilant and wary of persons who may be posing as HDB-appointed contractors, officers from other government agencies, or staff from private companies.

"They should always ask for verification details such as official staff passes from the agency/company, and if in doubt, call the agency/company to seek further verification," police said.

Members of the public who wish to know more on how to guard against such errant contractors may visit the HDB InfoWEB page for more advice.