Dear TRS,
I'd like to bring the attention of your readers, especially those staying in Toa Payoh Lor 8 area, to this 'cheat' trying to scam money in the area at the moment.
Currently there are some renovations on going around the estate to fix up some of the exterior work on the aging flats there. As we are used to seeing contractors around and are aware of the ongoing works, there is a man taking advantage of this and tricking residents into getting work done and then charging them exorbitant fees for services they don't need.
His M.O will be based on the fact that many of the toilets in the flat have ceilings which leak small amounts of water due to the old structure and the way the taps were build when the flats were first made.
He will claim that someone in your unit/block made a complaint about the leak and falling celling in the toilet. He pretends to be from HDB and said he would like to fix it.
Normally, residents' first reaction is to say yes as there is a small leak and HDB has been sending contractors around the block to do the maintenance works.
However, after residents agree, he will "fix" it for you he will ask for payment for his services even if they haven't helped the leak at all. He also charges ridiculous prices despite not having told you about them before he started work.
Then residents no choice but pay as he already did work in the house.
I'd like to highlight to all the readers staying in that area, or with relatives and friends staying there if such a person comes up, ask to see his permission from HDB, and please note only EAC builders are the allowed contractors from HDB. On top of that, the renovation works on the blocks there is only on the exterior of the buildings, and the MCP, NOT the interior of the residents' flats.
With regards to the leaking celling, we have checked with HDB a few years back and after investigation they said it is a natural phenomenon as the building is already quite old and the design of toilet traps water in between the gaps thus the celling leaks. They will not send contractors to fix it free of charge as they have already established that it is a wear and tear problem and is the responsibility of flat owners to fix if they wish.
Please be extremely careful as many people will try to cheat you impersonating HDB, exploiting the fact that there is a renovation ongoing so we will not notice much.
Remember only EAC builders area allowed and if someone approaches you about work your unit, ask to see their permit from HDB before allowing them in else you may be cheated into paying for services you dont need and that dont fix anything.
Chloe
TRS Contribitor