Hougang resident claims scammers listed his flat as vape store pickup point

SINGAPORE: An HDB flat in Hougang was listed as the collection point for an online store allegedly selling e-vaporisers and Kpods in Singapore. However, the flat owner denied any involvement, claiming the listing was made without his knowledge. According to Shin Min Daily News, he alleged that scammers had been using his address to harass his family for the past two years, prompting multiple police reports. The website, called Our Vape Store, advertised several types of e-vaporisers (commonly known as vapes) and drug-laced versions known as Kpods. It also purportedly offered beer and electronic SIM cards (eSIMs), with delivery options available. The address listed was a unit at Block 251 Hougang Avenue 3.

Reporter Mistaken for ‘Customer’

When a Shin Min reporter visited the unit recently, the resident called the police, believing the reporter was a customer who had obtained the address from the website. The resident explained that fraudulent Facebook posts had also directed strangers to his home for “free giveaways”, resulting in unexpected visits. “Over the past two years, we would occasionally have people knocking on our door, sometimes at 3am or 4am, causing us significant annoyance,” he said.

Linked to Giveaway Scams

The Hougang address appeared in at least two Facebook posts flagged as scams. On 13 January, a fake giveaway for a pram was posted in the Childcare in Singapore Facebook group. The alleged scammer initially requested a S$15 deposit for self-collection or a S$15 delivery fee. When the woman arrived, the occupants informed her it was a scam. On 9 July, a post in the Sayang Our Singapore’s Community Cats group offered a glass cat condo, citing the same address as the collection point and suggesting a S$30 delivery fee.

Address Leaked on Telegram

The resident also claimed his address was leaked on Telegram with messages suggesting that electronic cigarettes were sold there. He said he had contacted the police multiple times and installed CCTV cameras for security, but the perpetrator remains unknown. A notice placed on the unit’s gate now warns visitors that the address has been used in scams and advises those affected to file a police report, Shin Min reported.