Punggol resident harassed by debt collectors over former owner's loans
The former homeowner had borrowed $8,000 from moneylenders.
A man who has been living in a Punggol flat for more than a year says he has never taken out any loans - and yet he continues to be harassed by debt collectors seeking payment from the unit's previous owner.
Mr Pang (transliterated), a 46-year-old maritime professional residing at Block 666B, Punggol Drive, told Shin Min Daily News that he moved into the flat in January 2024.
Just three months after moving in, he began receiving letters from moneylending companies demanding payment from the flat's former owner. The letters ceased after he raised the issue with his housing agent.
However, in June, representatives from the moneylending companies appeared at his doorstep again, seeking payment from the previous occupant.
$8,000 in loans from moneylenders
According to letters Mr Pang showed to Shin Min, the former owner borrowed $6,000 and $2,000 from two separate lenders in January and February 2023. Debt collection notices were then issued in April 2023.
One letter, sent in June 2025, stated that the former owner still owed $1,500 as of April 2024, with accumulated interest raising the total amount demanded to $2,850.
Mr Pang said he officially completed the purchase of the flat in September 2023. Even during the renovation period, he received debt notices addressed to the previous owner.
"Some letters came from banks. After I returned them to the sender, they stopped. But now, even informing the housing agent doesn't change anything," he said.
Former owner changed address, but debt collectors still show up
Mr Pang contacted the authorities and was informed that the previous owner, identified only as Mr Cai (transliterated), had already updated his registered address, leaving Mr Pang puzzled as to why debt collectors continued to visit his home.
He suspects that the former owner may not have updated his address with all relevant parties, such as the moneylenders, after moving out.
However, according to the official reply Mr Pang received, it was confirmed that a change of address had been filed.
Mr Pang also learned that the unit may have been sold due to the previous owner's divorce.
Police report filed as a precaution
Although the debt collectors have not caused any disturbances recently, Mr Pang is concerned that neighbours may mistake him for the debtor.
He also fears that if the former owner turns to loan sharks, his family may get caught in the crossfire.
As a precautionary measure, Mr Pang filed a police report and notified the debt collection agency via text message, informing them that the debtor no longer resides at the address. He also attached the official confirmation of address change and the police report.
In response, the agency acknowledged receipt and said they would convey the matter to their management.