AN MCA leader has expressed concern over recent reports revealing a sharp rise in rental fraud cases particularly those involving identity theft.
Wanita MCA national deputy chairperson Tee Hooi Ling said with cases increasing more than 400% over the past three years, this trend highlights the urgent need for stronger public awareness and preventive action.
It was reported on Monday (Jan 12) that fraudulent property rental cases involving identity theft have spiked drastically—from merely 184 cases in 2023 to over 900 last year, a jump of over 400% in only three years.
In most cases, the victims are not only those who have been swindled of their deposits to rent non-existent property but also comprise people whose identity has been stolen to be misused many times, resulting in a long-running legal headache.
The main modus operandi involves the use of fake profiles or accounts impersonating property agents or homeowners, advertising units for rent at unreasonably low prices as bait.
On this matter, Tee said rental scams today are increasingly sophisticated, often exploiting social media platforms, messaging apps and fake identities to lure victims with unrealistically low rental offers and high-pressure tactics.
“Victims not only suffer financial losses but, in some cases, endure prolonged legal complications due to misuse of their identities,” she elaborated.
To curb the growing threat of rental fraud, Tee urged prospective tenants to always insist on visiting the unit in person and taking their own photos and videos.
“Refrain from relying solely on social media listings or online communications. Genuine landlords who are confident of securing tenants will not pressure individuals to rush deposits without proper viewings,” she said.
“Tenants should also always insist on meeting the landlord or an authorised representative in person. Verify their identity against official documents and ensure it matches ownership or valid authorisation. Scammers typically avoid physical meetings and provide excuses to remain online.”
Tee said all transactions should also be conducted through registered and licenced property agents.
“Verify the agent’s registration number and firm independently. Avoid dealing with individuals claiming to be agents without proper credentials,” she continued.
“Request proof of ownership or a legitimate letter of authorisation. Be cautious if asked to transfer money to accounts that do not match the landlord’s or registered agency’s name, as this is a common tactic involving mule accounts.”
Tee further urged the public to be alert to red flags and suspicious offers, including unrealistically low rental prices, urgency tactics, refusal of viewings and frequent changes of contact details.
“Offers that sound too good to be true usually are. Any suspected scam should be reported immediately to the police to prevent further victims,” she noted.
“Rental fraud is a crime that thrives on haste and trust. By exercising due diligence and refusing to be pressured into quick decisions, the public can play a crucial role in protecting themselves and others from falling prey to these scams.” ‒ Jan 13, 2026
