Tag Archives: HDB

There were a deluge of cases lately about rogue HDB contractors claiming they are appointed by HDB to carry out work in public flats which includes the changing of doors, gates and windows; installation of security systems; and repair of spalling concrete.

The bogus contractors usually target HDB estates undergoing upgrading works, said the board. HDB said it does not track the number of such complaints but at least one suspected rogue contractor has been caught by the police.

Some of the victims are elderly who easily deceived by the fraudsters producing bogus “permits” from HDB to carry out the purported work which is usually shoddily done.

They also paid over-the-market prices for the works done as they were ignorant about the market rates. Furthermore, they were led to believe that HDB-approved contracts will not con them.

How to verify the identity of HDB Contractors : Continue reading →

A CONTRACTOR showed up at her mother’s flat earlier this year, and informed the illiterate 68-year-old that her squat toilet was illegal.

Madam Serene Goh’s mum was told she had to change it to a pedestal toilet or risk being fined.

The man also said the Housing Board was checking on households in her estate, which was undergoing upgrading.

Madam Goh, a housewife in her 40s, said her mother was also asked to change a host of other fixtures in the flat that did not meet ‘regulations’.

In the end, the senior citizen, who lives with her son, parted with over $900 to install a toilet bowl, which was very shoddily done, said Madam Goh. ‘The contractor gave lots of false information to intimidate people. My mum changed her squat toilet because she thought she had better follow the law.’

The HDB is alerting the public not to fall prey to rogue contractors who use the board’s name to con residents into making unnecessary renovations. Continue reading →