In a heartwarming yet cautionary tale, Singaporean couple JM and Faz found themselves caught in an unexpected scam while trying to move into their dream apartment. What was supposed to be a fresh start as new parents turned into a financial setback. However, instead of letting the loss define them, JM and Faz have taken up a mission to raise awareness about rental scams, ensuring others are protected from similar pitfalls. Here’s their story and how they’re helping to make renting safer in Singapore.

A New Chapter, Interrupted

JM, a passionate spin instructor, and Faz, a professional bodybuilder working with Virgin Active, were thrilled to embark on this new chapter in their lives. They had just welcomed a beautiful baby into the world and were preparing to move into an apartment that would serve as their family’s sanctuary. Life had already presented a few hurdles—JM had recently lost her spin instructor position, which was a significant shift for her. Despite this, she was excited about the move and ready for what lay ahead.

Instead of using Rently’s deposit free service, they opted to dip into their savings to pay the apartment’s deposit directly, trusting that everything would go smoothly. After all, moving is always stressful enough without having to navigate the sometimes overwhelming rental marketplace.

The Day of the Move: An Unexpected Twist

Moving day arrived with all the excitement and chaos of starting fresh. But upon arriving at their new apartment, JM and Faz noticed a familiar face—one of their friends, also at the location, ready to move in. Confused and concerned, they asked if he, too, was there to move into the same unit. It didn’t take long before the unsettling reality set in: they had been scammed out of their deposit of SGD 7,200.

The revelation was crushing. Their hard-earned savings were gone, and they were left with the daunting task of finding a new place, all while dealing with the emotional and financial strain of being scammed.

Transforming Adversity into Advocacy

Rather than letting the scam defeat them, JM and Faz decided to take action. They wanted to turn their misfortune into something meaningful, using their experience to educate others about the risks of rental scams in Singapore. Determined to spread awareness, they reached out to Rently, a trusted rental platform they had initially considered before deciding to use their savings.

Recognizing the importance of their mission, Rently embraced JM and Faz as ambassadors, helping to amplify their message. The couple began sharing their story, highlighting the red flags of rental scams and advising people to rely on secure platforms like Rently. Their goal was to educate potential renters, protecting others from the costly mistakes they had faced.

A Grateful Gift: Restoring Hope and Stability

In a heartwarming twist, Rently decided to go above and beyond to support JM and Faz. As a gesture of gratitude for their commitment to spreading awareness, Rently presented the couple with a cheque for the amount they had lost—SGD 7,200. Additionally, Rently covered the deposit for their new apartment, ensuring they could move forward without additional financial burden.

This act of kindness not only restored JM and Faz’s lost savings but also solidified their partnership with Rently, reinforcing the trust and security that reputable rental platforms provide.

What to Watch Out For: JM and Faz’s Tips to Avoid Rental Scams

In their mission to help others, JM and Faz have shared several tips to help renters avoid falling victim to scams:

1. Use Trusted Rental Platforms: Established platforms like Rently provide security measures to protect both renters and landlords, minimizing the risk of fraud.
2. Verify the Property Ownership: Always check the legitimacy of the landlord or property manager. If something feels off, dig deeper.
3. Avoid Cash Deposits: Instead of handing over cash, use traceable payment methods that can help track transactions in case of disputes.
4. Meet in Person and Inspect the Property: Before making any payments, ensure that you have seen the property in person and met the owner or verified agent.
5. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: Especially if you’re using a rental platform, go through reviews and ask friends or family for recommendations to ensure a smooth renting experience.

Moving Forward: JM and Faz’s Ongoing Mission

Though their journey began with an unfortunate setback, JM and Faz have emerged stronger, using their platform to spread awareness about rental scams in Singapore. They continue to share insights, warnings, and practical advice, advocating for safe rental practices across social media and through Rently’s network. Their story is a reminder of the power of resilience and community support, showcasing how even in the face of loss, there is an opportunity to make a positive impact.

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