Skip to main content

Salesman Jailed for Cheating Neighbors and Clients Out of $128K

 


A 27-year-old car salesman, Edwin Toh Jing Wei, was sentenced to 21 months in jail on Dec 19 for scamming six victims, including his neighbor, of $128,603. Driven by a gambling addiction and $50,000 in debts, Toh exploited his position at Privilege Motors to deceive clients into depositing payments into his personal bank account instead of the company's account.

The court detailed three key cases:

  1. Luxury Car Fraud: On Aug 27, 2023, Toh sold a $190,000 Mercedes-Benz and instructed the buyer to transfer $29,563 to his personal account, claiming it was an outstanding payment. The customer later discovered the company had not received the money.

  2. Persistent Deception: On Sept 4, 2023, another Mercedes-Benz buyer transferred $65,164 to Toh after being shown fabricated screenshots of previous transactions. The scam was revealed when the company reported the funds missing.

  3. Neighbor Betrayal: On Sept 1, 2023, Toh convinced his neighbor to purchase a Mazda 3 for $16,000. After the neighbor paid $15,835, Toh delayed delivery with excuses. When the deadline passed, the neighbor learned of Toh’s arrest.

While Toh refunded his neighbor, no restitution was made to the company or the other victims. Privilege Motors, however, fulfilled all customer obligations and replaced Toh immediately upon discovering the scam.

In court, Toh's lawyer highlighted his remorse and steps to quit gambling, while the prosecution emphasized the betrayal of trust and requested 22 to 26 months' imprisonment.

Under the law, cheating carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine.



Labels:
Location: Singapore

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...
Post a Comment
Read more

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

  In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...
1 comment
Read more