Filipina in Singapore shares how she lost S$15,120 in an alleged condo rental scam

A Filipina working in Singapore says she lost S$15,120 in an alleged rental scam in 2025 despite viewing a condominium unit in Paya Lebar twice, and has shared her story on TikTok with tips to help other renters avoid the same trap.

Subscribe to newsletter

A Filipina living and working in Singapore has shared how she lost S$15,120 in an alleged rental scam, despite viewing a condominium unit twice and receiving documents that appeared legitimate, Stomp and The Independent Singapore reported. Pamela Alliana, 36, told her story on TikTok more than a year after it happened, saying she had initially been afraid, embarrassed and traumatised.

Alliana needed an address for her son's Student's Pass and her nanny's Work Permit. She found a rental listing on Facebook and contacted a man who presented himself as a property agent. When the unit she wanted became unavailable, he offered her another one, a condominium unit in Paya Lebar. After viewing it twice, she signed a tenancy agreement and transferred S$8,400 for two months' deposit and one month's rent.

She was then asked to pay another S$3,360, described as a condominium security deposit that would be refunded when she moved in, followed by a further S$3,360 for an alleged tax filing, which she was assured would also be refunded. The refunds never came, and the man stopped responding. Alliana filed a police report in June 2025, but has not recovered the money.

"Every dollar represented my time, my sacrifices, and the countless hours I spent working overseas for my family," she wrote. Her advice to renters is to verify a property agent's identity and registration, confirm the landlord's identity and right to rent out the unit, and be wary of extra payments requested for deposits, taxes or other fees. Members of the public who suspect they have been scammed can call the 24-hour ScamShield Helpline at 1799, Stomp noted.